Case Study
Gamerz Token Arcade– Business Scenario
At Gamerz Token Arcade, we are more than just an entertainment hub; we are a thriving universe of gaming wonder. Nestled in the heart of gaming enthusiasts’ dreams, our arcade is a sanctuary where players of all ages and backgrounds come together to embark on unforgettable gaming adventures.
My Role
Brand Identity
User Interface
User Research
Personas
User Journey Map
Wireframes
High-Fidelity Prototype
Project Overview
What's needed?
Gamerz Token Arcade is looking to enhance the user experience for special gaming events by developing a special event check-in app.
The goal is to provide gamers with a seamless and efficient check-in process, reducing waiting times, and ensuring a hassle-free entry to gaming events.
The Product
Design a special event check-in app/for an arcade.
Allow users to easily register for upcoming gaming events and tournaments directly through the app.
Project Duration
June 2023- Aug-2023
The Problem
Supporting evidence from usability study.
Users frequently encounter difficulties in navigating through the app, resulting in frustration and potential delays during event check-ins.
The Goal
Streamlined user experience
By implementing a more cohesive and visually appealing design, the reimagined app will optimize user interactions, simplify the event registration and check-in tasks, and improve overall user satisfaction.
Understanding
The User
- User research
- Personas
- Problem statements
- User journey maps
User Research Summary
The User Research conducted for the Gamerz Token Arcade’s special event check-in app focused on understanding the needs, preferences, and pain points of both avid gamers and event organizers. The research aimed to identify opportunities for improvement and inform the UX/UI re-design project to create a more efficient and user-friendly app.
Research Goals:
- Identify pain points and challenges users face during the event check-in process.
- Understand the expectations and preferences of users regarding app usability and design.
- Gather insights on the target audience’s motivations and behaviors when attending special events at Gamerz Token Arcade.
Methodology:
The research employed a combination of moderated usability testing and in-depth interviews with five test participants. The participants were avid gamers and event organizers, carefully selected to represent the target audience of the app. The testing sessions were conducted using a low-fidelity prototype of the re-designed app on Figma, allowing for real-time observation of user interactions.
User Research: Pain Points
Pain point
Long Wait Times
Users may experience long wait times to access popular games or check-in for events.
Pain point
Complex Check-in Process
Check-in process for gaming events is confusing, impacting the overall event experience.
Pain point
Clarity and information
Users expressed the need for clearer and more descriptive information during the
check-in process.
Pain point
Mobile Accessibility
4 out of 5 participants preferred a mobile-first approach, a seamless check-in experience.
Persona: Max Kai
Max Kai
User: Gaming Enthusiast
Age: 25
Education: BA
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Family: Not married
Occupation: Software developer
“From lines of code to lines of victory,
I embrace the challenge!”
Goals
- To stay updated about upcoming gaming events
and tournaments - To participate in high-stakes gaming competitions and showcase his gaming skills.
Frustrations
- Balancing his professional commitments with his passion for gaming events
- Keeping track of various gaming events and schedules at the arcade.
Max is a tech-savvy and enthusiastic gamer who has been passionate about video games since childhood. As a software developer, he spends long hours immersed in coding and problem-solving.
In his free time, Max enjoys visiting GamerzToken arcade to participate in special gaming events and tournaments. He is an active member of the gaming community and loves the competitive atmosphere and camaraderie at the arcade.
Persona: Sarah Martinez
Sarah Martinez
User: Event Organizer
Age: 30
Education: BA
Hometown: Irving, TX
Family: Not married
Occupation: Event Coordinator
“I create experiences that captivate and unite the gaming community.”
Goals
- To plan and execute successful gaming events that attract a diverse and engaged audience.
- To create an inclusive and welcoming environment for gamers of all
skill levels.
Frustrations
- Juggling multiple tasks and deadlines while planning and
coordinating events. - Ensuring efficient and accurate check-ins during peak hours of
gaming events.
Sarah is an experienced event coordinator with a deep passion for creating memorable experiences. She is responsible for organizing and managing gaming events through her own company. Sarah enjoys the dynamic nature of her company and thrives in fast-paced environments. Her attention to detail and excellent communication skills make her an essential asset to the gaming community.
User Journey Map
Problem Statements
User: Max Kai
Max is an software developer who wants to easily register for upcoming gaming events and tournaments, because he participates in high-stakes gaming competitions.
User: Sarah Martinez
Sarah is an event coordinator who needs a seamless event check-in process, because she is responsible for organizing and managing
gaming events.
Starting
The Design
- Paper wireframes
- Digital wireframes
- Low-fidelity prototype
- Usability studies
Paper Wireframes
The Process
Basic sketches of the homepage, events section, event page, and check-in/out screens.
Digital Wireframes
Gamerz Token Arcade Home screen
If the check-in process for gaming events is cumbersome or confusing, users might feel discouraged from participating in events, impacting the overall event experience.
Digital Wireframes
Gamerz Token Arcade QR code screen
Participants valued a smooth and frictionless check-in experience, emphasizing the importance of reducing waiting times and queues during busy events.
Low-Fidelity Prototype
The Layout
The low-fidelity app prototype for Gamerz Token Arcade was tested and can be viewed at this link
Usability Study Findings
To ensure that our special event check-in app meets the needs and expectations of both avid gamers and event organizers, we embarked on a comprehensive journey of user research and usability testing. This journey aimed to uncover valuable insights, refine our app’s design, and enhance the overall user experience.
Through a combination of moderated usability testing and in-depth interviews, we had the privilege of engaging with our target audience directly. We observed their interactions, collected feedback, and gained a deeper understanding of their preferences and pain points. This meticulous process allowed us to make informed decisions and prioritize enhancements that align with the desires of our users.
Round 1 findings
- Participants struggled with the current app’s navigation
- Participants valued a smooth and frictionless check-in experience
- Users need more descriptive information during the check-in process
Round 2 findings
- Users want visually appealing interface with engaging graphics
- Users expressed interest in a interactive map feature
- Participants preferred a mobile-first approach
Mockups
People want to check in quickly
Supporting evidence form usability study.
• 4 out of 5 participants wanted a “Check-In” option, for convenience.
• 5 out of 5 participants wanted a clearer on-screen confirmation of successful check-in.
“I don’t want to experience long wait times to access popular games or check-in for events, leading to unnecessary frustration”
– Max Kai, active member of the gaming community from
Los Angeles, California (P0)
Mockups
Users want to use a QR code<br /> for check-in
Supporting evidence form usability study.
• 5 out of 5 participants wanted a ”QR Code” option, for convenience.
• 4 out of 5 participants wanted the date, time, and location information at the center top.
“I’m always getting confused on where to access my digital tickets.
I need something simple and easy to use”
– Sarah Martinez, experienced event coordinator from El Paso, Texas (P1)
Refining
The Design
- Mockups
- High-fidelity prototype
- Accessibility
Mockups
QR Code
Users valued a smooth and frictionless check-in experience, emphasizing the
importance of reducing waiting times and queues during busy events.
Accessibility considerations
I believe that everyone should have equal access to the excitement and joy that our arcade brings. As part of my unwavering commitment to accessibility, I have undertaken a thorough exploration of how our special event check-in app can better serve all users, regardless of their abilities. I understand that each user’s experience is unique, and my goal is to provide an environment that is welcoming and accommodating to everyone.
Colors and visual elements provide a high level of contrast and legibility. This enables users with visual impairments to easily discern information on the screen.
Maintaining a consistent navigation structure throughout will ensure that users can confidently explore different sections without getting lost enhances usability for all.
Font sizes that are comfortable for reading, catering to users who may have difficulty with smaller text.
Going
Forward
- Takeaways
- Next steps
Takeaways
Impact:
Through my comprehensive usability studies and user research, Gamerz Token has gained valuable insights that have significantly impacted the design and functionality of the special event check-in app. By prioritizing accessibility, streamlining the check-in process, and enhancing user familiarity and discovery, I’m confident that the users will enjoy a more seamless and engaging experience. The insights from my studies have not only led to a more user-centered app but have also reinforced my commitment to Pay close detail to accessibility.
What I learned:
Conducting the usability studies for Gamerz Token’s special event check-in app was an enlightening experience that underscored the importance of empathizing with users and addressing their needs. Through the research process, I learned how to craft effective research plans, facilitate user testing sessions, and extract meaningful insights. The ability to analyze user behaviors, pain points, and preferences has allowed me to refine our app’s design and align it more closely with user expectations. The studies reinforced the significance of collaboration, iteration, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in crafting user-centric digital solutions.
Next Steps
- Continue to make adjustments to the home page and check-out sections
- Make features clear to the user
- Use maps that are defined and have more details