THE OBJECTIVE
The objective behind this repackaging of Travel Mancala was to integrate a more historical and cultural context in the actual gameplay through visual dynamics. I grew up playing this game throughout my childhood without ever knowing the actual name of the game. As the board set itself didn't have secondary information, it merely existed as "that game with marbles" to me. It wasn't until I embarked on this project where I realize the obvious void between the cultural/traditional context and the actual gameplay/packaging. Thus, I was interested in bringing what has been in the background to the forefront by harmoniously integrating cultural elements more into the actual packaging and design.
THE REDESIGN
The Mancala wooden gameboard itself is securely wrapped in an African tribal fabric in order to prevent damage as it is being carried around. The fabric will protect the game from being exposed to moisture and fluids. The instructions to the Traval Mancala packaging is hand transferred onto the opposing side of the e-flute, creates the texture echoing that of the pit marks on the ground. This also allows the instructions to become engraved and a part of the gameplay. Tucked away towards the top of the packaging, there is a corrugated cylinder container with the marbles comfortably sealed inside.
