Foldable Gift Card with Integrated Game Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transaction products, such as gift cards, lack an engaging non-transactional functionality that can enhance user experience and encourage repeat usage, remaining primarily as mere monetary instruments.
Innovation Solution
A transaction product design incorporating a foldable intermediate sheet that transitions between collapsed and extended positions, featuring a game board or map, along with a spinner and game pieces, which provides entertainment value while maintaining transactional functionality, linked to an account identifier for tracking value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional flat gift card design is used, then the product is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks engaging non-transactional functionality and user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The gift card is segmented into multiple functional layers: cover panels for protection, an intermediate sheet containing the game board that can be folded and unfolded, and game pieces stored in compartments. This segmentation allows each layer to serve a specific purpose while collectively providing both transactional and entertainment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The game components are nested within the gift card structure itself. The intermediate sheet with the game board is folded and stored within the card body, while game pieces are placed in compartments formed by the cover panels and intermediate sheet. This nesting allows the entertainment functionality to be integrated without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the product.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable intermediate sheet with game board is added, then user engagement and entertainment value are enhanced, but the product size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate sheet is designed to be dynamically foldable, transitioning between a compact folded state for storage and an extended planar state for gameplay. The fold lines allow the sheet to be repeatedly collapsed into a small stack that fits within the gift card boundaries, then expanded to provide a large game board surface when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate sheet utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness) when folded, stacking multiple sections vertically within the gift card body. When unfolded, it transitions to a two-dimensional planar surface that provides the game board. This dimensional transformation allows a large surface area to be compacted into a small volume.
3Area of moving object
If the intermediate sheet is made larger to provide more game space, then entertainment value increases, but it becomes more difficult to store and handle when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate sheet is divided into multiple sections by fold lines, creating a series of smaller, manageable segments. These sections can be folded independently along the predefined fold lines, making it easier to collapse a large sheet into a compact stack compared to folding a single large piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate sheet is designed with multiple fold lines that create a dynamic, accordion-like structure. This allows the sheet to be collapsed into a compact stack that fits within the gift card when not in use, and easily expanded to a large planar surface when gameplay is needed. The fold lines are positioned to maintain structural integrity while enabling compact storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A transaction product includes a first cover panel, a second cover panel, and an intermediate sheet, and an account identifier. The intermediate sheet transitions between a collapsed and an extended position and defines fold lines dividing the intermediate sheet into sections. When the intermediate sheet is in the collapsed position, the sections form a stack. The first cover panel is coupled with one of the sections that forms a top of the stack, and the second cover panel is coupled with another of the sections that forms a bottom of the stack. The account identifier is coupled with at least one of the first and second cover panels and the intermediate sheet and links the transaction product to an account or record configured to track a value available for use toward a purchase of one or more of goods and services. Other products, combinations, and associated methods are also disclosed.