Client:
Coursera/Google Ux/Ui Certification Course
My Role:
Designer, Writer, Researcher
Project Time:
2 Months
BACKGROUND
As the project final for Googles Certification Course, I opted to design a video game launcher similar to Steam, GOG, or EA's Origin, but one that allowed purchase, installation and play from a single platform without requiring multiple launchers open or installed on the users’ system in order to run a game. This allows for a one-stop-shop experience with the end consumer’s usability being the priority.
The secondary goal was to build in parental controls with time restrictions on categories, so parents could encourage their children to play games geared towards learning and education. This fosters a healthy relationship with responsible gaming and associates learning with fun.
Problem
Gaming platforms do not truly integrate and allow purchase, installation, and play from a single platform. Parents are also required to go through an entire library to restrict or allow games. This restriction is very black-or-white, with no allowance for nuances.
Opportunity
Design a launcher that is familiar to gamers and features usability as its core value. It must also be easy for parents to navigate and set parental controls or time restrictions as necessary.
Target Audience
Maggie (Mother)
Sales Manager
Calgary, AB
“My teenaged son enjoys playing games like Call of Duty or Fortnite with his friends, but I wish he would be more productive instead. His grades aren’t the best, and if only there was some way to channel that focus into learning!”
Goals
- Help children learn school material as well as provide one simple platform for gamers to purchase, install, and play products.
- Enjoy the learning process By enabling parental controls and a reliable game-tagging system, this platform provides a fun, interactive learning experience that can be translated to school and other areas of life.
Background
Maggie is head of her Sales department and works from home She can hear how many hours a day her son is spending on video games. She wishes she could set up his PC quickly and easily so that during certain hours of the day, the only video games available are educational but still fun so that her son productive while entertained.
Pain Points
- Child complains videos and textbooks are boring.
- Video games can be distracting with how many are available.
Alex (Teenage Student)
High School Student
Calgary, AB
"My grades aren't the best, but that's because class stuff is so boring. I like learning things, but have trouble focusing on books and things."
Goals
- Have a better relationship with learning, school, and his parents .
- Enjoy a healthier, more balanced relationship with gaming .
Background
Alex is in 11th grade, enjoys playing games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty. However, his grades in school could be better and he wishes there was a more enjoyable way to learn so his parents would stop getting on his case when he plays his favorite games.
Pain Points
- Installing multiple platforms to launch games is suboptimal to user flow.
- Exclusive purchasing platforms are unnecessary to usability or user enjoyment.
Architectural Design
Wireframes and Mockup
Click on image to enlarge
Usability Testing
The High Fidelity prototypes allowed me to test with some members of the target audience to gauge pain points and critiques. The response allowed information gathered to make clear improvements in future iterations.
It was noted that a larger button set directing users to storefronts based on platform would improve usability, as well as a larger, more striking back button that will stand out more. User testing also noted giving the library filter a home above the games library for users to know at a glance which platform they’ve selected is a helpful inclusion.
Visual Design
