[h2]Hello directors![/h2] This time around, I have been refining the design system and wrapping up some of the loose threads on the component design system. Mainly the UI have been improved but also how the design works and how it interacts in the game. [h3]Components[/h3] In a nutshell, you as a player design a new component from a specific blueprint. For instance, lets pick ship hulls. There are different types of hulls for different purposes. There is for example a Cargo hull and a Combat hull (more to come). Both can be used for ships but give certain bonuses to different areas. The cargo hull will naturally give bonuses to hull and logistics. While the combat hull improves defense etc. Each design also consists of "blocks". These are blocks to represent different parts of the design, for instance the cargo hull has an extra "Cargo compartment" where the combat hull will have an "Extended armor" block. Both get advantage of being built by different materials. Aluminum might come handy when being used in cargo compartments but will not perform well in combat due to its softness and low melting point. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38527579/4e196c3e36d5eff01dbea3b1b344b332d59ee8a5.png[/img] There are many options for each player to make designs that fit their purpose. However, since each design is global and later controlled by each player it is an and advantage to be the first to create a design. But research is expensive so piggy riding on someone else’s design can be favorable too. [h3]Overview[/h3] To give the players some overview on what is required for each component to be built, there is a hierarchical view from where you can select to design specific parts or start with the target design. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38527579/40c52f31e172de553fdcfd233d38ec10ae112aff.png[/img] [h3]Extra bonus[/h3] With the system that is currently being used by the game, allows for one thing I did not expect to be possible easily. But it is the possibilities of modding. Currently, there are only JSON files telling the game how different designs and items are supposed to be represented in the game. But that also makes it possible to load different JSON files depending on a command line parameter. However, I am not sure I will include this in the early access release since it is pretty tech heavy to maintain when bug reports are coming in. But it will be there in the future. I guess I am confirming modding support. Yay! (Probably will regret this someday ːsteamhappyː) And as always, Join the discord and follow the development and chat with other people about epic sci-fi! Join the discord [url=https://discord.gg/R3ynGRU54C]HERE[/url]