Shadow Play
An interactive concept that introduces the making and performance of traditional shadow puppetry.
- Context
- Student design project · 2022
- My contribution
- UX design
From backstage craft to hands-on discovery.
Shadow Play turns the less visible stages of puppet making into a sequence of interactive tasks. Carving, coloring and assembling become part of the experience, helping people discover the craft by taking part.
My contribution was UX design. The project received a Creativity Award in the 2022 Tencent university developer competition. GUI design was by Liu Xinyi (刘心仪).
Make the craft part of the interaction
The concept breaks down the journey from making a puppet to performing with it. Instead of only presenting a finished shadow play, it invites users into the craft behind the stage.
The narrative game centers on Sun Wukong from Journey to the West. Players simulate the movements of the puppet’s hand and body control rods, using action sequences to advance the story.
I designed the backstage puppet-box system, translating the process of making a shadow puppet into a sequence of mobile interactions.
- 01
Carve
Discover the shapes and details that give a puppet its character.
- 02
Color
Explore how color contributes to the puppet’s expression.
- 03
Assemble
Connect the pieces and move toward performance.
One theatre, two connected experiences
The theatre becomes the navigation model: onstage performance connects to backstage preparation. Players can begin a chapter, explore the puppet collection, or enter the puppet box to make a character.
The flow distinguishes a guided first visit from later exploration. New players move through puppet selection and making before entering the performance, while returning players can revisit the collection and workshop.
Inside the puppet box
Pattern selection, carving, coloring and assembly are brought into one workshop. The layered interface connects the tools, puppet preview and progress feedback to the same work surface.
Small gestures, visible feedback
Players choose the leather, carving pattern and color scheme while previewing the character. Holding the progress ring drives the making step; sliding adjusts color depth, and swiping between joint points assembles the puppet.
- 01
Choose
Compare materials and patterns alongside the puppet preview.
- 02
Hold and slide
Use the progress ring and color controls to follow each making step.
- 03
Connect
Join the marked points to assemble the puppet.
The mobile experience
My role was UX design; GUI design is credited to Liu Xinyi. The project received a Creativity Award in the 2022 Tencent university developer competition.
