communicating on a large team is hard!

As this is the first project I worked on with a team, this was a great opportunity to learn the importance of communication with a large team. While discussing ideas and designs with your immediate teammates is vital, communicating between disciplines, like art or software development, is even more so. Coming up with ideas is what level designers do, but knowing who you can talk with, and how to talk with them, to help implement those ideas quickly and efficiently.

There will be disagreements while working on a large team

When working on a large team, I learned it is essential to overcome disagreements in a professional and constructive manner to maintain a positive working environment. Firstly, open communication is key. Encourage team members to express their concerns openly and listen attentively to their perspectives. Avoid making assumptions and seek clarification when needed. Secondly, focus on finding common ground. Highlight shared goals and objectives to remind team members of the bigger picture. Use compromise and collaboration to reach mutually beneficial solutions. Lastly, consider involving a mediator if disagreements persist. A neutral third party can help facilitate discussions and guide the team towards resolution. By fostering open communication, emphasizing common goals, and seeking external support when necessary, large teams can effectively navigate disagreements and work towards success.

Get things on screen as quickly as possible

When working on a game, especially in the beginning, it can be hard to picture how the game is going to come together once all the pieces come online. More than that, it is difficult for every person on the team to understand the game in the same way. Early on in the project, there were many team members who understood the game differently, causing a lot of work to be wasted. Once we were able to get the different elements of the game on the screen, like our target mechanic, the team, united in vision, became much more productive.

have fun!

When embarking on a large creative project, I learned it is crucial to incorporate fun throughout the process. Fun not only boosts morale, but it also enhances creativity and productivity. Engaging in team activities, taking breaks to relax, and maintaining a positive atmosphere can significantly impact the overall quality of the project. Moreover, fun helps team members build camaraderie, fosters innovation, and reduces stress levels. By infusing elements of enjoyment into a large creative endeavor, individuals are more likely to stay motivated, inspired, and ultimately deliver exceptional results.