The Amazing Race > RFF's Amazing Race: Design Challenge
The Amazing Race: Design Challenge VIII - Final Round Design Show on Page 50!
Kamineko:
Kamineko's Comments
Design #5: MikeDodgers [Sant Antoni, Spain]
Show contentOkay, so teams are starting in Florence, Italy. I like the Pit Stop location too since it's the main landmark in the city. Teams have to fly to Ibiza, Spain! I'm excited about this location already, so I have a high expectation of what you can show to me in Ibiza.
Arriving in Ibiza, teams have to make their way to Cala Saladeta for a Detour. But wait, there's a One Way! I like the One Way twist because the victims are forced to take one side of the Detour, which can make or break for them. For your Detour, I think the Sand Shock task is pretty nice. I wonder when you said, "each of those sculptures has a letter hidden on them," meaning that there's a letter printed on the sculpture. For the Spiritual Serenity task, it's an excellent cultural task from this location, especially since all I can imagine from Ibiza is not like this. I have one issue, however. Your flight clearly states that it lands at 6.00 PM, which is weird to place the Sand Shock task. Also, it won't look nice on television because a night leg on beaches is too dark.
Then there's also a Speed Bump, which is an underwater searching task. Not new, but I once again have the problem with the timing. How can you make the team have to dive underwater at night? Completing the Detour, they are instructed to go to a nightclub.
Arriving at the nightclub, they find a Roadblock. Your Roadblock question is just weird for me, sorry. Your Roadblock task is nice. It's never been done before, so I wonder what the execution will be like, especially on camera. You didn't give enough explanation of what will make this task look interesting since only making a setlist can be completed on a piece of paper. Maybe if you add more exciting things like the songs are performed on stage, or teams have to navigate through the crowds to find a song, it will look better.
Then, they have to go to Cala Gracio for an Active Route Info. This task looks random, although the purpose is to fulfill the requirement. I do not particularly appreciate that it's already dark, so it's not feasible to do this task. A 100m swim relay is also not that nice in-camera. Perhaps making them race with locals or add anything else will make it better. Finally, they have to go to the Pit Stop, a nice monument.
For my final comments, I like that there are some improvements seen in your design. Although some of your tasks are okay, I don't like that they belong on day legs, but you're saying it's a night leg. You can add an Hours of Operation to make the tasks feasible to complete because beach-themed tasks on night legs just aren't working for me. Please pay attention to the minor details like this later on.
Design #6: ZBC Company [Mumbai, India]
Show contentOkay, so once again, you’re submitting in Google Docs format. As much as I want to say okay for using that, I have to appreciate other designers more who made an effort in creating the presentation using BBCode. It’s easier to create the formatting like font sizes, colors, alignment, attaching pictures, and other stuff, but I don’t see a reason not to do the presentation in BBCode. I know that you have submitted designs using BBCode back in TAR: DC VII, when I was also a judge, so I don’t see why you don’t do that this time.
Teams start in Rovaniemi, Finland, which I love to see a leg happening there. Your Pit Stop location is also great. They have to fly to Mumbai, India. I like making the teams travel from the chilly weather of Finland to the intense heat of India. Arriving in Mumbai, they have to make their way to Film City. Once there, they will face an Active Route Info for a Bollywood x Telephone (Chinese Whispers) task. While I like the concept, I want to know how long the routine that they have to pass on? Also, because I’m not a dance teacher, I find it hard to imagine whether the team member can teach how to dance to a group of dancers. Also, what would happen if they forget? They can get back, right? I think it will take too long to complete.
There’s also a Speed Bump where they have to translate a film script from Hindi to Gujarati. While I find it interesting that they’re translating between two languages that are not English, I find it hard to imagine whether the audience will understand the difference between both languages. Also, how long is the script that they have to translate? I think this task is too hard to be a Speed Bump.
After that, they have to go to Girgaum Chowpatty Beach for a Head to Head. It’s weird to see a Head to Head, but your graphic shows a Route Info. Head to Head has its graphic, I guess. I love the Kabaddi task, so hopefully, it gives the last team a chance to get back on after such a difficult Speed Bump. Then they encounter a Roadblock where one team member has to transport a small Ganesha statue from a boat to the beach. What’s the question for the Roadblock? How far is the boat from the beach? I need more details on this.
Then, they have to go to a basilica for a Detour. For the Build It Up task, I love the crowd participation and how it will look on TV. I’m not sure about having to guide 50 unknown Indian men for this. Also, will the teams participate in the tower building, or they will watch and wait? In Design It Up, I like that they have to buy things that are probably hard to find. I’m not sure if the 5-second video is enough to determine which item to buy, however. But reasonable effort on both culturally relevant Detour tasks. Finally, they are going to the Pit Stop in a garden, a nice break from the crowd.
For my final comments, I think that some of your tasks are too complex and may take too long to complete. The Speed Bump is also not related to the beach theme, as asked at the beginning of the round. But I like that you incorporate your tasks to fit the culture there. Your Head to Head also works because it’s placed pretty early on the leg. Like I said at the beginning, however, I cannot ignore the fact that you took an easy route of styling using Google Docs, so your presentation score will be pretty affected due to this. For later rounds, if you proceed, because I know that you previously had submitted a leg design using the BBCode back in TAR: DC VII, I expect you to do the same next time.
Design #7: redwings8831 [Kotor, Montenegro]
Show contentSo teams are starting from the Castel del Monte. I love the previous Pit Stop location, and I could see it becoming a Pit Stop in the real version of TAR. Then teams have to make their way to Igalo in Montenegro via Bari and Dubrovnik. I’m sensing a drama might happen when teams are on the way from Dubrovnik to Igalo since they have to pass through the border check right.
Arriving at the beach in Igalo, they have to sunbathe on the beach for 15 minutes. Although it sounds boring, doing nothing for 15 minutes, especially in a race, can feel like forever. But that’s a nice addition so teams can relax for a bit. Then, they have to make their way to the town of Herceg Novi, where they have to ride a boat to Strand von Dobrec. I love the scenery here, and I think it will look lovely on TV.
Arriving at Strand von Dobrec, they find a Roadblock. The Roadblock task looks interesting, where they have to swim through the dark tunnel. Is it safe, though? I don’t understand the condition of the current there, but I’m afraid that it might endanger the team member if suddenly the current changes. Solving a puzzle task is not bad, but I’m getting bored with solving a puzzle task, so I expect more than that. Thankfully the jigsaw puzzle determines their next location, which can be hard if they cannot find someone who knows the exact location, so pretty much you’re safe this time.
On Saint George Island, they have to ride a kayak to the shore where they have to travel by taxi to Kotor. Just saying, kayaking while having their bags on can be hard. Also, if they fall to the water, their bag will get soaked. Arriving in Kotor, they encounter a Detour. For the Slow Climb Up, it’s just the classic walking task without having to do anything, but the time taken is long. On the Quick Fly Down, they have to paraglide down, which is another classic task. While both Detour options highlight the view of the Bay of Kotor, I feel that both can be done anywhere else and not showcasing what the Bay of Kotor provides more than just the look. Finally, they are going to the city of Sveti Stefan to find the Pit Stop on an islet on a resort.
For my final comments, I love the way teams are always traveling far away between locations with multiple kinds of transportation methods. This leg also really showcases the beauty of the locations. However, I feel like the tasks are not that impressive and overwhelmed by the locations you picked. Hopefully, you can focus more on creating impressive tasks while showcasing beautiful locations.
Design #8: BritishTARFan [Western Scotland, United Kingdom]
Show contentOkay, so you're picking your home country. I expect an impressive leg from you then. I was hoping you could show me what TAR hasn't showcased in the UK.
Teams are starting in Manama, Bahrain, where they have to fly to Glasgow. Arriving in Glasgow, they have to drive to Loch Achtriochtan. I like the scenery already, so rowing a boat there will be nice to watch. Then, they have to make their way to Glencoe Folk Museum, where they have to perform in a Scottish group dance called Ceilidh. Your attached video won't load on the page, however. I think that the code formatting is not correct. You can see several videos posted on the forum to see what you did wrong. The twist that teams have to wear the tartans for the rest of the leg is fun.
Then they get the Detour. Ugh, please don't use yellow in your presentation. It hurts my eye. For the finding whiskey barrel, it's pretty good if the location is like in the picture you're using, since it can confuse some teams. The mountain climbing task reminds me of the Shemozzle obstacle running task in TAR22 Leg 3, so nothing new for that. After that, they have to make their way to Achintee Farm for a Roadblock. The Roadblock is nice because it has an excellent relevance to the history there. Some teams may struggle here as well. Finally, they are going to the Pit Stop, the viaduct where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed.
For my final comments, I love that you're showcasing both the beautiful views of Scotland and highlighting some culture there. You're having some issues with your presentation though. I hope you can try to preview your design before submitting it to prevent things like this from happening in the future.
Kamineko:
Kamineko's Comments
Design #9: NELs [Isla Mujeres, Mexico]
Show contentSo teams are starting in Guatemala City, where they have to go to the city of Mérida in Mexico. Arriving in Mérida, they have to drive to Chichen Itza and find El Castillo. At the same time, they’re just going there to find the next clue. Having some good views on TV wouldn’t be such a problem. I would love it if they have to find someone dressed up as a Mayan warrior or something like that instead of just a clue box.
They have to go to Isla Mujeres using a ferry where they have to find a golf cart, which they will use for the rest of the leg. Arriving in Isla Mujeres, they find a Detour. The Margarita option looks okay, and it matches with the location theme. I hope that they have to serve more than one glass each to make it more difficult. In Mercado, they have to sell Mexican sombreros, which is okay too. Both tasks look simple but culturally relevant, so that’s a good job.
After that, they have to go to Monumento Tiburon Ballena, where they will encounter a Yield. It is pretty random, but I like the placement of the Yield. And then, they have to go to Garrafon Natural Reef Park, where they have to take a zipline first before finding a Roadblock. The Roadblock task is just okay. It’s good to see underwater views as well. It’s a solid and straightforward task, in my opinion. Finally, they are going to the next Pit Stop at the Punta Sur. Excellent additional info on what they will do on the Pit Stop anyway.
For my final comments, I love that you showcase the Chichen Itza first before continuing the whole leg on the island. Your tasks are also simple but pretty much solid. Also, I appreciate you trying to complete the design using the Fantasy Game format and in the BBCode.
Design #10: betheactress [Bergen, Norway]
Show contentFirst, we have teams starting in Bangkok, Thailand, where they have to fly to Bergen, Norway. I like the sudden jump from Southeast Asia to Northern Europe. Arriving in Bergen, they have to go to Bryggen, where they have to find a staircase for their next clue. I like that the clue box is somewhat hidden, so teams will scramble to find the clue, and we may see some positions changing.
Then suddenly they have to go to Flåm by train. I think the position scrambling at the Bryggen is wasted because they most likely will be bunched up. Wow at your graphic using GIF on the Route Info anyway. I have never seen anything like that! On the way by train, there will be a hidden clue on one of the stops, which is a clue for the Fast Forward. I wonder if there's more than one team attempting the Fast Forward. How far is Kjosfossen Falls from their original destination anyway? How can they catch up if they cannot complete the Fast Forward? Are there more trains?
The Fast Forward task looks simple because it's just a hiking task, although it takes a long time to complete. I think there is a chance of teams not making it in the first place if the hiking takes too long to complete.
Arriving in Flåm, they get a cryptic clue to find the smallest stave church in Europe, which should be easily located by asking the locals. Arriving at the Undredal Stave Church, they get a Detour. The Cheese Bowl task looks intricate to complete. It's also nice that I've just watched Gordon Ramsay's video of cooking an omelet using the Brunost cheese, so I have a slight knowledge about this cheese and how it looks. How will the teams deliver the cheese anyway? It will have been more fun if it involves some traditional carts. For the Goat Stroll task, it's another hiking task, but this time with some goats. I wonder if baby goats will be hard to handle, but after seeing long hiking on the Fast Forward, I think this Detour task won't look that exciting anymore.
Then they have to go to the Stegastein Viewpoint, which has a breathtaking view. The clue instructs them to make their way to Fjærland, where they have to find a bookstall on the quay. Once there, they find a Roadblock. I love that the Roadblock task is related to the clue location. The Roadblock task may seem confusing for some people if they make a mistake in the middle. Also, I prefer to read your explanation on the Wiki version for the description of this task because it's clearer, at least to me. The final book with a slight twist is impressive too. I want to know how far the bookstalls are from each other. Are they far from each other or not?
Finally, they have to make their way to the Brævasshytta Café, where they have to rock climb around 50-feet to find Phil at the Pit Stop. The last push to the Pit Stop can break a team if somehow they lose on a rock climb race. I assume that the Pit Stop mat also has a breathtaking view of the glacier, so a tick on that.
For my final comments, I love how you managed to showcase Norway's breathtaking views in one leg, although there's a time when I think it probably takes too long for a single leg. I like to read your notes since they have the questions I want to ask, well except the extra train from the Fast Forward location to the original destination in case a team failed to complete the Fast Forward. A reasonable effort to contact the BnB as well.
For your fun fact, I think the images you took by yourself are: the slanted staircase, the Flåmsbana train, and perhaps the GIF.
PS: I've read your Wiki page, and it's fantastic! Thank you for summarizing that.
Design #11: elthemagnifico [Nias Island, Indonesia]
Show contentOkay, it seems that you're choosing Indonesia, which is my home country as well. Let's see if your decision paid off.
Teams are starting from Medan, where they have to make their way to Nias Island. Arriving in Nias, they have to find a marked car. I've never seen a self-driving leg in Indonesia, but knowing the chaos it will bring to the teams if somehow they have to self-drive in Jakarta, I think the decision to move the self-driving leg to a location like this is better. The first clue is predictable for me since I know right away when you pick Nias that there will be something related to the location, so using the Rp1,000 bill is an excellent move.
Arriving at the Bawomataluo Village, they find a Detour. The first option, which is the Fahombo or Lompat Batu task, is the highlight of this place. I have concerns about whether this task is possible to complete, especially for an all-female team. I'm going to give this article (in Indonesian):
https://lifestyle.okezone.com/read/2014/11/04/406/1060886/alasan-mengapa-pelompat-batu-nias-harus-pria
This article tells us that only men can do this ritual, and no women should attempt it. I won't compromise with the tradition because I'm not coming from this place, but I think that the production should also respect the culture, therefore I believe this task is not feasible to make it in TAR. The second option is better. I like where they have to build the platform first, then followed with participation from the locals.
Then they have to go to Sirombu Beach, where they have to perform a silat salutation, which I find weird. Why did you place this task on the beach? It seems out of place to be honest. After that, they get a Roadblock. Your Roadblock, while it pays tribute to the 2004 tsunami, I find it too long to finish, with I think an unnecessary addition of sky jumping. Is sky jumping exist in Nias anyway, since I don't know whether there's a place for landing on the island? Finally, they are going to the Pit Stop, which I found underwhelming.
For my final comments, it's brave to pick Nias as your location since there are SO MANY MORE places to design for a beach-themed leg in Indonesia. Unfortunately, it doesn't pay off. There are some issues I have with your tasks. Also, your presentation seemed rushed with many typos here and there. You got in first place on the first round, so I thought you would keep your momentum, but maybe not this time.
Design #12: Jimmer [Tarawa, Kiribati]
Show contentFirst teams are starting in Singapore, where they have to fly to South Tarawa, Kiribati. Arriving in Tarawa, they have to travel by taxi to the village of Bairiki and find a maneaba. On the maneaba, they have to perform the dance of Kaimatoa. The dance moves are not that hard to learn, and I think this task has the proper duration for the beginning of the leg.
Then they have to go to a memorial in the village of Betio where they will find a Detour. I love both Detour tasks since they have their own background story. Both tasks seem balanced, so thanks for giving some additional details as well. After that, they have to go to Taiwan Park, where they will find a Roadblock. I love the Roadblock because it also has the story behind it. The task can also be physically grueling, but just enough to become a Roadblock.
Finally, they get a photo for their next Pit Stop location. I think the locals there should know the site, so I guess there will be a time when a group of children will guide a team to the Pit Stop, which will be wholesome to look at on TV.
For my final comments, I like that your leg is brief but solid. All tasks exist not just because, but they are there because each has a story behind it. I don’t have many complaints about this leg because I love this leg. It’s an excellent leg and a good contender to be on the top.
Kamineko:
Kamineko's Comments
Design #13: Stone [Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan]
Show contentSo teams are starting in Segovia, Spain, where they are instructed to fly to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have some high hopes for a leg in this country, so hopefully, you can showcase that.
Arriving in Bishkek before sunrise, they have to find a marked stall on a bazaar where they have to sign up for a bus that departs the following night. What a waste of time, in my opinion, that they do nothing on the first day. Arriving in Karakol, they have to find an orthodox church where they have to drive to find a camp in the mountains. Why do you mention the Double U-Turn now, not in the first clue when they started in Spain instead?
At the Camp Karakol, they find a Detour. Both of your Detour tasks are solid. However, I would like it if you put a brief description of the task first, and the supporting details can be placed on the notes, instead of throwing all the description there. Then they have to go to a ski resort where a Double U-Turn awaits. But why don't they do anything there? I expect they will have a task there. If there's no task there, placing the U-Turn board near the camp will be better.
Then they have to drive to Issyk Kul lake, on a beach on the shore for a Roadblock. The Roadblock task is enjoyable since it's divided into three mini tasks. I want to know more about the details of the third task. Other than that, I think the Roadblock is solid. Finally, they are going to the Pit Stop in a rock formation, which I assume is on a viewpoint.
For my final comments, I have issues with the early check-in board and the departure on the following night. Why not try to find somewhere else to start, where the flight lands later in the day? Also, the U-Turn board placement in the ski resort, where they don't do anything there is weird. I would prefer it if the U-Turn board is put near the camp instead. I am also not fond of too long descriptions for the tasks. Some of them are not necessarily needed to be mentioned. I guess the term "less is more" can be applied later. Other than that, this leg is an improvement from the previous round and an excellent job of showcasing this country.
Design #14: Bookworm [Lamu, Kenya]
Show contentOh, a leg in Africa. I wonder what you can deliver this time.
First, teams are starting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the Lion of Judah monument. The first clue directs them to Lamu, Kenya. So far, I’m intrigued because we have never seen a real Kenya leg in TAR. Hopefully, you can do a good job showcasing Kenya.
After arriving at Lamu’s Museum Jetty, they find a Detour. For the donkey task, I love that. We know back in TAR12, some teams have problems with donkeys. This time, when they have two donkeys to handle, it will be much harder and fun to watch. The trade route task is also excellent. There are some aspects where they have to pay attention to the details. For the numbers, is it the exact amount of items or the total weights? Sorry if I missed your explanation about the numbers. While both are fine, I prefer if the numbers for every team are different, so that there’s no chance to peek at the other team’s answer or share answers between teams.
Then they have to ride a dhow to Peponi Beach for a Roadblock. The Roadblock task looks pretty fun and also has a good story. I feel that this task won’t take long to complete. Do the judges give their scores in numbers or only say “Yes” or “No”? Because the latter will not be really good since they won’t know what they did wrong, right?
After that, they have to make their way to another beach for a marked coconut vendor, where they have to make a local coconut drink. I know the grinding part since I’ve seen the same tool used here in my local market as well, so I know that this task won’t take too long if they already know the way. Finally, they have to make their way to the Pit Stop, which is on a beachside fort. I like the Pit Stop location as well.
For my final comments, I have to say that I like this leg so much. For the whole leg, I think this is an excellent one. Some issues I have are minor, so I think you’ve done an excellent job on this, especially that you’ve bounced back after your computer was broken. I hope to see more from you later, because this is an excellent leg already, and I think you will know why I’m saying this when the time comes.
Design #15: Lemontail [Constantine, Algeria]
Show contentSo we have teams starting on a monument in Ponta Delgada, Portugal. I like the previous leg’s Pit Stop anyway. The first clue directs them to fly to Constantine, Algeria. I have never seen a leg designed in this country before, so I hope you can showcase it well.
Arriving in Constantine, they have to go to the Sidi M’Cid Bridge, a picturesque location for sure. Their first task is okay. I have a minor issue with the cleanliness of the food if the tables are outside, and cars are bustling around. After that, they have to go to a palace for a Roadblock. The stacking Roadblock somehow reminds me of a Survivor challenge, but with more cultural aspects. How high is the pyramid anyway?
Then, they have to make their way to a first for another Active Route Info. Also, how will they translate the sentence into English? After that, they have to make their way to ruins for a Detour. While both tasks are okay, I have a problem with your tasks so far that they are either related to rocks and languages. If it appears once or twice, it’s okay, but after the first Active Route Info, all I’m seeing are tasks related to those (either something with rocks or the language), which appears pretty monotone for me. Finally, they have to go to a mountain slope for the Pit Stop, which is nice because of the picturesque area.
For my final comments, this is a not bad first leg in Algeria. But, my issue, just like I said, is with your monotone tasks. I expect to see more from this country rather than rocks and languages related tasks. I believe that there is more to see from this country, but I’m not that impressed this time.
Design #16: Declive [Altiplano, Bolivia]
Show contentFirst, I love to see that you pick a remote town as your previous Pit Stop location. Because it's more comfortable in terms of finding transportation, I'm okay with that. The first clue directs them to drive to the town of Yolosa and find a zip line site.
Arriving at the site, they find a Fast Forward. I am not too fond of it because the task seems too dangerous to complete. At least for me, who is afraid of heights, I don't want to die attempting this Fast Forward only to win first place. Also, why make them fail in trying the Fast Forward if they're going to catch a breath? I believe that since this location seems pretty high in elevation, they must stop a couple of times to catch a breath. At the zipline site, there's also a Roadblock. While the Roadblock idea is good, how long does it take to return to the beginning if they get it wrong? Because you said that the three zip lines are between mountains and from its sound, each is pretty far from each other.
Then they have to make their way to El Puente Coroico. I don't know if it's a forest or a camp with some activities provided. Please explain more about the location instead of picking a random one like this. Once there, they encounter a Detour. For the Flying Man task, it looks pretty similar to the recent Roadblock with the zipline, which is rather boring. For the Flying Woman task, it's okay because it's the classic learning dance routine task. Nothing pretty impressive for both tasks. Finally, they have to make their way to the Pit Stop at Laguna Estrellani, which is nice with the picturesque background. Although I don't think anybody will stop to take a view of the place you said if they're racing. Maybe move the mat there?
For my final comments, I find this leg pretty dull. There are two similar looking tasks involving ziplines. The Fast Forward, although you explained that there are some safety protocols, I don't think it will work, also with you saying that they will fail if they stop pedaling. I expected more of you because your last design in Round 1 was excellent, and I think this time, your design fits better for a Fantasy Game type of leg with mediocre tasks.
ZBC Company:
Thx game 1 page for speed bump
ZBC Company:
I'm so confuse what's not trying to say to you all, saying that my legs are too long and hard and so you wanted easy and short legs. Just don't complain.
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