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Interactive Prototype
Game Vaults Dedicated Arcade app was designed with both avid and casual mobile gamers in mind. Creating an all in one app with a variety of games to play and prizes to pick from.
Project duration:11/6/2023 to 5/21/2024
User research
Personas
Problem statements
User journey maps
I conducted interviews and created empathy maps to understand the users that I’m designing for and their needs. A primary user group identified through research was those who frequently play games, or “Avid” gamers.Through interviewing, the assumptions about users who game were confirmed but also revealed that diverse game selection and ease of use were not the only factors that limit users. Other user problems consisted of paywalls, ads, slow-laggy-clunky games, misrepresentation of games, and lack of accommodations for impairments such as audio. These and others are variables that make user experiences unpleasant or difficult when gaming.
1: Overwhelming
2: Clunky/Laggy
3: Accessibility
4: Quality
Users have difficulty finding games due to the cluttered design format and lack of organization. Different platforms may not play a game the same, or some games are just too “heavy” to play.Not all game apps are well organized or work well/have assistive technologies.Some games have too many ads, paywalls, may be misrepresented, or are not well made.
Zachari is an avid gamer who wants access to a variety of unique and exciting games, because most game platforms only offer games that are essentially copies of each other.
Claire is a busy working mother of two. Who is looking for a simple platform to find fun and exciting games to play that will improve the quality time spent with her family.
Mapping the users journey revealed the importance of having proper accessibility for users such as closed captions to help with audio impairments. Along with how helpful having access to streamlined features on a game app can improve efficiency in finding and playing games, in addition to quality time spent with family.
Paper wireframes
Digital wireframes
Low-fidelity prototype
Usability studies
The goal with the paper wireframes was to focus on prioritizing certain features for certain parts/pages of the app, with the goal of making an easier and less overwhelming experience
As the design phase continued, I focused on designing with organization in mind in reference to what was found in the user research.
Well organized and less overwhelming design was a key user need. Which in turn improved assistive capabilities.
Open app
Create Account
Browse for game
Preview game
Users found the app mostly easy to use, but felt some resizing and consolidating was necessary to improve their experience.
1: Users want a more singular game scroll.
2: Users want a less cluttered game vault page.
3: Users want bigger buttons.
1: Users want a more singular shop scroll.
2: Users want an easier path to account settings.
3: Users want “what’s new/featured” to be more noticeable.
Mockups
High-fidelity prototype
Accessibility
Note: Game images and names changed due to image file issues.
The First usability study revealed issues with users finding it difficult to navigate the many tabs and pages for the Game Vault.I consolidated and refined scroll design into a sticky scroll and removed unnecessary clutter such as the search bar and tabs. Creating a more unified design.
The second usability study revealed that users found it difficult to navigate the shop pages in addition to it feeling too cluttered.I consolidated and refined the scroll design into a sticky scroll which resulted in a cleaner more unified design.
1: Text weight and contrast were considered to ensure legibility of all text. Designs were tested and confirmed to meet accessibility standards.
2: Swipe gestures were added to the main pages to help improve accessibility and navigation through out the app.
3: Consolidating multiple pages into one to create a more unified navigation. Improving the efficiency of user movement through out the app.
Takeaways
Next steps
The designs impact help users feel more at ease when navigating an app that doesn’t overwhelm them with cluttered options. Not only improving usage but also allows the user to achieve their objective quicker.
“The colors are awesome and I love how it has that game boy feel! It feels familiar and is easy to use.”
Given this was the first app that I’ve ever designed, I can say I learned a lot! From designing with the users in mind, designing efficiently and effectively, Learning variables to configure interactive UI, the many different ways and features that one can design, along with finding my own style. More specifically I learned I need to limit the amount of typography to one serif and one san serif text, since I have a tendency in wanting to diversify the text when instead I need to keep it simple. There are many other things for me to still learn and I look forward to what’s in store! I’d like to continue iterating on this design and see how far I can take it.
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Thank you for viewing this case study! I love what I do and would be happy to help with any future designs that you may have. For peer review purposes contact info will not be disclosed.