What

This app was a study in how to make an approachable and inclusive high score tracking application for a local arcade.

Why

For me, gaming has always been about fun; but more importantly, it is a way to have fun that has a very low barrier to entry. I wanted to design an app that not only helped people who played games connect with each other, but to help new gamers find and connect with a supportive community.

How

I used Figma to design and prototype for this app, integrating feedback from several rounds of interviews and testing. It was an eye-opening project; the idea was simple and straight forward, however through the lens of users with varying familiarity with games and arcades I was able to better understand pain points from what turned out to be the more common user!

The User

One of the most wonderful aspects about games, both physical and digital, is the low bar for entry. In all of their various forms, games are a powerful portal for escape, learning, bonding, and personal exploration. I hoped to provide perspectives that would offer points of view in contrast to someone who normally seeks out gaming, reinforced with usability studies.

Site Map and User Flow

Wireframes

Lo-Fi Prototypes

For the initial prototype, the user goals were fairly straightforward; create a profile, and choose a game to enter your high score. I wanted to make sure that any options presented in a screen made sense to the user as to what their purpose was, and would lead the user down an informed path to their goal.

Pain Points

Understanding - Being able to provide descriptions and themes that are understandable and recognizable for all users regardless of their familiarity with arcade games and culture.

Price - Users who are already paying for the service of playing arcade games would likely not be interested in an app with financial transactions and advertisements.

Accessibility - It is important to be mindful of users with visual impairments, those who can be restricted by language accessibility, and users who might not be familiar with game specific terminology.

Time - Users want a responsive, easy to navigate app that does not require much thought or a learning curve.

Usability Study Findings

Round 1 findings

  • Higher contrast between colors and text.

  • Less text overall, and more direct call to action terminology.

  • Some screens have too much visual clutter.

Round 2 findings

  • Overuse of popups (even to clarify confirmation details) can be frustrating to users.

  • Users were interested in customization and social features.

  • Users wanted fewer menus, and fewer steps to complete a task.

Hi-Fi Prototypes

Takeaways

What impacted me the most was hearing from user interviews that this is something they would love to use on a regular basis. It was especially inspiring to hear from people who rarely play games that an app like this would actually make them want to get a bit more involved in the pastime.

I have always loved and been involved with video games and gaming culture. However, it was important to create a product that could be used and benefit anyone looking to expand how they view and interact with games, regardless of their experience level or knowledge of gaming.