Rhythm without rushing

Separate reaction accuracy, rule comprehension and accessible controls.

The player signals ships passing a lighthouse. Acting within a short timing window earns a bonus. Design a standard mode and one with a wider window, keeping the same goal and event sequence.

Paper scenario or simple prototype

• Use one main input and no complicated button combinations.
• Give clear feedback for early and late actions.
• Colour must not be the only way to understand a signal.

1. Draw a timeline showing the successful window and feedback.
2. Set parameters for both modes.
3. Check the sequence in a simple prototype or act it out as a scenario. State separately that reaction quality has not been tested without a working timer.

Two timelines, timing-window parameters and a list of feedback signals.

• The player understands why an action counts or fails.
• The wider window preserves a meaningful action.
• Distinguish control difficulty from decision difficulty.

Which part of the challenge does a wider window change? Which part does it preserve?