Zombie Apocalypse Project
Zombie Apocalypse 2024
The Challenge
The year is 2035, and the world has been overrun by zombies! 🧟 You’ve been hired by a brave client to design a perfect zombie-proof home.
Your mission: Keep them safe, comfortable, and happy in a world full of danger. You’ll use your imagination and Minecraft skills to build a secure home while solving unique challenges for your survivor!
Think you have what it takes? Let’s find out!
You will use Stanford’s Design Thinking process to develop a creative, client-centered solution. Additionally, you will prototype your design in Minecraft, using the platform's tools to bring your ideas to life in a virtual, interactive environment.
.png)
I met with my client, Khris, and started by asking what biome would best suit his chances for survival during the Zombie Apocalypse. His choice was a deciduous forest. We then focused on what he not only needed to survive but to thrive in these difficult conditions. Here is his list of needs:
-
at least 5 stories
-
Multiple flare outs to prevent climbing Zombies
-
In-Earth bunker/ root cellar
-
Greenhouse
-
water filtration
-
generator
-
Open Air Top Floor
-
hot tub
-
woodstove to heat tub
-
pizza oven
-
-
Slide from top to bottom
Defining the problem was identified in the project narrative when we were asked to design a structure that was zombie proof.
The next step in the design process was to generate ideas for my client. This could be brainstorming as many options as possible or as I did sketch a vision based on the interview I did and go back to Khris and get his feedback. He did not have a lot of specific needs so the image below represents what he agreed would meet his needs if a Zombie Apocalypse occurs.
Prototyping occurred in Minecraft after I had done multiple iterations based on my clients feedback. The feedback process was very helpful as I did not have to slow my build once my refined idea was approved by Khris. Using Minecraft
2022 Version
Empathizing with my Client
I met with my client and used the Zombie Apocalypse Brainstorming document to focus our work and make sure that I was recording their needs related to a zombie proof home.
Creating a Prototype
Before starting with Minecraft I did a pencil drawing of what I hoped my model would look like in Minecraft. I met with my client to show them this prototype and they approved of the drawing with minimal alterations.
I developed my final model based on my client's needs. The building starts with 5 empty floors that do not connect to floors 6 through 8. Access to the top floors is through a bubble elevator that goes from floor 1 directly to 6.
Minecraft Build
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Final Video Walkthrough
My final product was this walkthrough that I edited in WeVideo. I did multiple attempts at creating my video and did not realize success until I storyboarded it before recording. I also found a multitude of zombie sound effects that I added in multiple layers (see below) to add depth to the sound track.
