The Unofficial Guide to Monopoly

Design: Rhea Vergis
Location: United States
Project Type: Student Project
School: Maryland Institute College Of Art
Tutor: Sandra Maxa
Packaging Contents: Cards
Packaging Substrate / Materials: Paper
Printing Process: Digital printing

This guide is an unofficial rulebook for first-time Monopoly players. It equips them with the necessary knowledge of the game and the cut-throat reality of real-estate. An online review mentioned this “Monopoly is the worst; the game never ends, no one knows the ‘actual’ rules, there is no pathway to victory without cheating and scandal…” The idea was to produce a design that aimed to solve the problem of players not knowing all the rules. The individual cards not only explain the rules but also guide players on how to negotiate to win. The series of 10 icons act as a visual system to inform players of the unofficial rules made up by people who play Monopoly all over the world. The icons are modern and straightforward and the colors are inspired by the property colors in the game but are amplified to create a statement. The use of abstract patterns aims to generate a fun and immersive experience.

What’s Unique?
The unofficial guide is a refreshing take on the board game, Monopoly. There was a lot of trial and error involved in the printing process to get the colors as bright as they are. It turns out that only a specific texture of paper would get the colors just right. I think what makes my design special is the vibrant colors used. I designed the packaging, printed it, cut the cards and folded the printed design into a box and finally photographed it. I greatly enjoyed the process from the beginning to the end and how I could combine my love for design and paper art together.