Design School is a career simulation game that focuses on completing tasks via match-3 games. The player matches three or more items on boards across levels to achieve goals. They then earn lightbulbs to help a designer named Kate come up with interior and exterior design ideas for people in her community.
The player needs at least two lightbulbs per idea. They only receive one per match-3 board. They match common household items, such as gummy bears, wedges of cheese, green apples, ceramic teapots and books. During match-3 play, their goals include breaking crates, collecting a specific number of items, and freeing strawberries from inside of jellies. They must reach their goal before they run out of moves.
The game helps the player with powerful special items (i.e., rockets, spinning propeller tops, bombs and magic cubes) that form when they match more than three items. It also eventually provides boosters.
Design School allows the player to choose different functional and decorative pieces for approximately 24 businesses and residences throughout the community. The locations the player visits include a coffee shop, a hostel, a tree house, a pizzeria, a beach bungalow, a flower shop, a villa and a photo studio. At the coffee shop, for example, they help attract more foot traffic by installing a modern coffee stand, new street tables and flowerpots.
Lastly, the game tasks the player with earning more wealth by collecting and merging special treasures known as stones. Other side games and quests exist as well, including tournaments against other players to earn the most points and collection of a daily bonus.�
