Playing Cards
The origins of playing cards are known to date back as far as the 9th century in ancient China. Since that time many different designs have been used throughout history in many cultures. The example of card design I am featuring here is a variation of a design recognisable to those in England today. Variations on this design are very familiar to anyone living in this country and have developed as the result of a progression of ideas from different people and manufacturers; creating what seems an ideal solution.
What Makes this Good Design?
- Any number of different games can be created and played, with varying numbers of players and levels of difficulty.
- A full pack fits neatly into the hand and is easy to hold.
- The smooth card surface is easy to slide, and so shuffle, deal etc.
- The rounded corners make it less likely a card will be bent, whilst the pattern over the back helps to hide marks - therefore it is less easy for cards to become identifiable from the back.
- The simultaneous similarity in layout for numbers yet clarity in suit shape helps each card to be seen immediately for what it is.
- The indices at the corner of the card allow them to be recognised when fanned out in one hand.
- This double ended design allows you to view the cards both ends up whilst remaining a unified whole (in contrast to split designs produced prior to this).
- The use of the traditional design with imagery and symbolism of hierarchy, war, religion, and riches, adds a sort of interest and depth to games that don't specifically feature any of these concepts.