GAME STUDIO DESIGN
PAPER DASH
This project was a personal endeavor where my goal was to create an engaging and intuitive gaming experience for players.
Project Overview:
"Paper Dash" is an exciting 2D platformer game that I developed as a solo project. The game challenges players to guide a crumpled paper character through a perilous world of tiles and obstacles, with the objective of reaching higher levels while avoiding hazards and defeating enemies. As a solo UX Designer and Developer, my main challenge was to design controls that felt natural, provide clear visual cues for obstacles and enemies, and ensure a seamless progression of difficulty to keep players engaged.
3 MONTHS
Research and Analysis:
To understand our target audience, I conducted extensive research using a combination of methods, including surveys, user interviews, and gameplay analysis. I created user personas that helped guide my design decisions, ensuring I catered to the preferences of our players. Additionally, a competitive analysis helped me identify industry trends and best practices to incorporate into my game.
Concept and Ideation:
The ideation process involved brainstorming sessions, sketching my initial ideas for the game's user interface and interactions, and creating wireframes to visualize my concepts. I focused on creating a visually appealing and user-friendly interface that aligned with the game's theme of paper and simplicity.
Prototyping:
To test and refine the designs, I developed interactive prototypes. These were tested with potential players, and their feedback was invaluable in making improvements. I iterated on the designs based on this feedback, ensuring the user experience was as intuitive as possible.
User Research and Personas:
Greg: A 25-year-old software developer seeking challenging gameplay with responsive controls and good color contrast due to some color blindness.
Cathy: A 30-year-old marketing manager looking for relaxing, accessible gameplay on her smartphone during short breaks.
Jake: A 12-year-old middle school student who enjoys visually appealing games with simple touch controls and in-game tutorials.
These user personas help guide design decisions by representing different player types and their preferences. By considering these personas, the game's UX can be tailored to provide an enjoyable experience for a diverse player audience.
User Interface Design:
The final user interface design featured menus, a HUD, and in-game elements that provided a cohesive and visually pleasing experience. I chose a color scheme, typography, and visual style that complemented the game's theme, making it enjoyable for players.
User Testing and Iteration:
I conducted several user testing sessions to evaluate the usability and player experience. Insights from these sessions led to iterative improvements in my design, making it more user-friendly and engaging.
Accessibility and Inclusivity:
I placed great emphasis on accessibility. I ensured the game had suitable color contrast, was compatible with screen readers, and provided options for adjustable difficulty settings to accommodate a diverse audience.
Final Product and Outcome:
The "Paper Dash" project resulted in a polished and engaging game that captivated players.