The thesis presents a brief history of playing cards from their humble beginnings in Asian countries to their rapid expansion into Europe. The thesis analyzes the common types of playing card sets and outlines playing card changes throw time with well-known examples like the Mamluk, Morish, and the now famous French playing card set. The thesis shows many different playing cards uses ranging from common playing games to magic, collecting, and also a new fast-growing trend called Cardistry the skilful handling and shuffling of cards. In the research part, we evaluate the key factors that contribute to the esthetics of a playing card set. Throw research we expose popular digital marketing channels such as websites and crowdfunding platforms which are often visited by our target group. Throw analyzing well-known marketing channels we isolated three well-sold playing card sets and determined the production and aesthetic factors that contributed to their success. The identified factors were confirmed by our target audience. With the use of a questionnaire, we were able to acquire insight into the design and production requirements of our potential customers. The questionnaire segments the user base of popular marketing channels into four different groups based on their answers. Insights obtained throw the questionnaire helped us understand that each target group has its own list of requirements in regards to the design and production of a playing card set. Using the questionnaire, we found that ordinary players strive for creativity, customization of the joker, court cards, and back designs. The wish for high paper quality is present in every group. Magicians tend to pay more attention to the way their cards are cut from the printing sheet; they tend to prefer foil accents, embossing, paper coatings, and finishes. Cardistry performers are much more liberal with customizing their cards. They have a strong desire to personalize their cards, and also tend to like the same customization techniques as the magicians this being said Cardistry sets are of more geometric and simplistic nature in contrast to magicians & collectors playing card sets which are more detailed. Collectors in contrast are much more focused on the uniqueness of the playing card sets; they wish to obtain a unique product that enriches their collection. The results gathered in the thesis will enable designers to get an intimate understanding of what makes a successful playing card set and how to easily penetrate the playing card market.
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