Whodonut?
A murder mystery jigsaw puzzle game
Product Overview
I had the opportunity to take the lead on design for Whodonut? throughout the entire development process. This included establishing the art direction, weaving visual elements into the aesthetic to fit with the narrative, and producing all visual and structural design elements for the product. This experience is part physical puzzle and part mystery where visual and written clues build off each other as the entire picture comes together. Combining a murder mystery with elements of comedy led to a vibrant donut shop setting that smeared the lines between blood and jelly.
The full Whodonut puzzle is not pictured on this page to avoid story spoilers. It is a photograph of the crime scene that features a heavily branded interior theme of the in-world donut shop Do Not Not Donut.
Narrative Setting
Fred Jackson, Jr., the beloved owner of the Do Not Not Donut Shop, was murdered. Homicide Detective Ralph Frage was six questions away from figuring out who killed him until a fritter-induced tummy ache sent him to the hospital. Now, he needs your help to put the pieces together and track down whoever sent the Donut Man to a hole in the ground.
Game Objective
Your mission in Whodonut? A Murder Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle Game is to identify the killer of Fred Jackson, Jr. Working alone, or as part of a team, you will need to discover clear means, motive, and opportunity to find the killer. Only one suspect will fit all three categories, and discovering who it is will allow you to identify them as the murderer. To accomplish this, you’ll need to carefully read the Detective’s notes, put the pieces together to see the scene of the crime, and answer the Detective’s remaining questions to reveal key clues — pieces of the puzzle that will complete the picture.
Components
(A) Game Manual
(B) 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle (994 pieces + 6 blank pieces)
(C) Detective’s Notebook
(D) Answer Board (24 pieces inside)
(E) Solution Envelope
(F) Box and Lid
Visual Identity
Product and in-world
This story required an identity to represent not only the game itself, but also a cohesive one for the donut shop setting where it took place. Do Not Not Donut is a local donut shop owned by the victim, where the fun and magical atmosphere starkly contrasts the gruesome scene when the puzzle is complete.
Product Image Gallery
Product photography
Without spoiling any immersive gameplay elements, I've opted to photograph the physical evidence in a way that communicates a sense of the game's narrative direction and visual themes.
Product & Packaging Designer
Ⓒ 2024 Arcane Lab LLC
Follow Me: