Time Line

2-3 Months

Lead UX/UI Designer

From Concept to Interactive Prototype

Understanding the Problem and Target Users

The Challenge

Gamers of all skill levels often struggle to find the right games for their interests and playstyles. Additionally, they lack a dedicated, inclusive space to connect with others based on their gaming habits, track their progress meaningfully, discover ways to improve, and foster a sense of belonging within the gaming world.

Unmet Needs in Game Tracking:

  • Limited Data Depth: While existing trackers provide certain data points, they often lack in-depth analysis and cross-game insights essential for identifying broader patterns and improvement areas.
  • Narrow Focus on FPS & Competitive Data: Trackers tend to cater primarily to competitive FPS players, leaving those with other playstyles or seeking more holistic progress tracking underserved.
  • Inconvenient ordering and payment processes: Cash-only transactions or limited online payment options can create friction for customers.

Identifying the Gap

Our platform aims to provide a comprehensive dashboard experience with in-depth analysis across multiple titles, features to visualize improvement potential, and community features fostering support and collaboration. This empowers players to make informed choices about their gaming journey, track their progress with greater clarity, and find meaningful connections within the community.

Target Users

Competitive Gamer: These players often lack access to personalized skill analysis, high-level competition resources, and centralized spaces to showcase their achievements.
Implies features like: Detailed stat breakdowns, matchmaking based on skill, leaderboards, and profile pages.

Casual Gamer: Casual players frequently struggle with game discovery that caters to their time constraints and skill level, and finding inclusive spaces to connect with like-minded individuals.
Implies features like: Filters by time commitment, difficulty ratings, social groups focused on relaxed play.

Hardcore Gamer: For hardcore gamers, it’s difficult to find platforms supporting niche genres, those with deep customization, and communities focused on user-generated content.
Implies features like: Genre-specific browsing, advanced game recommendations, forums for modding/creation sharing.

Working Professional / Gamer: These players face limited options for skill-based experiences or meaningful progression within tight time constraints, along with difficulty finding compatible playgroups.
Implies features like: Quick-play modes with skill focus, streamlined progression even with short sessions, matching based on similar schedules

GamerStats Project Persona 1 @evoxal.com
GamerStats Project Persona 2 @evoxal.com
GamerStats Project Persona 3 @evoxal.com
GamerStats Project Persona 4 @evoxal.com
GamerStats Project Persona 1 UJ @evoxal.com
GamerStats Project Persona 2 UJ @evoxal.com
GamerStats Project Persona 3 UJ @evoxal.com
GamerStats Project Persona 4 UJ @evoxal.com

GOAL

To create a gaming platform designed with inclusivity in mind, empowering players to track their progress, discover new gaming experiences, and connect with others based on their unique playstyles to grow as players and enhance their enjoyment.

Pain Points

Fragmented & Inefficient Data

Players of all skill levels struggle to get a comprehensive, actionable view of their progress due to scattered information, a lack of centralized dashboards, and limited presentation options. This hinders improvement and makes tracking feel disjointed.

Navigational Confusion

Overly complicated layouts, a lack of customizable filtering options, and poor information organization cause frustration and prevent users from easily finding the features or data they need. This can lead to disengagement or a sense of being overwhelmed.

Limited Game Coverage

Many platforms offer stat tracking for a narrow range of titles, often focusing on popular competitive games. This leaves diverse gamers feeling excluded and unable to get the full benefit.

Finding the Right Games & Community

Players, particularly those with time constraints, struggle to find games that match their interests, make informed purchase decisions, and connect with like-minded individuals to enhance their gaming experience.

Competitive Audit Results

  1. The market lacks platforms offering a balance between inclusive tracking for diverse players and in-depth customisation for dedicated enthusiasts.
  2. A strong foundation begins with intuitive data tracking and visualisation, catering to casual users while laying the groundwork for advanced features.
  3. Modern UX should prioritise ease of use and discoverability for all users, with the option for deeper customisation as needed.
  4. Strategic integration of guides, tutorials, or analysis tools can enhance player improvement without overwhelming casual users.
  5. Flexibility and transparency in data management are essential. Offer clear default settings for casual users alongside granular control options for advanced users.
  6. Community features should be designed with inclusivity in mind, offering social spaces for casual players, discussion forums for specific game aspects, and potential tools for sharing content or seeking tips.

Hypothesis Statement

A game-tracking platform that prioritizes intuitive data presentation, powerful filtering options, and contextual insights to guide improvement will empower users to enhance their gameplay while fostering a sense of belonging within the gaming world.

Low-Fidelity Prototyping & User Testing

Site Map / User Flow

GameStats - Sitemap @evoxal.com
GameStats - Userflow @evoxal.com

Concepts & Wireframe

GamerStats - Concept Drawings - @evoxal.com
GamerStats - Wireframes @evoxal.com

Low-Fidelity Prototypes and User Testing: Validating the Core Concept

Gamer Stats - Study-Sample @evoxal.com

To validate the core concept and uncover initial user insights, I began by conducting unmoderated remote testing with five participants, a mix of both dedicated and casual gamers. The goal of this phase was to assess the overall information architecture and navigation flow of the low-fidelity prototypes. While not exhaustive, this early feedback loop provided crucial direction for the next steps.

Recognizing that visuals play a significant role in a data-heavy platform, I then iterated on the design, creating high-fidelity mockups to gauge user responses to the aesthetics and layout of the platform.

Key Learnings & Iterations:

This iterative testing process illuminated several key areas for improvement:

    • Homepage Engagement: Users desired a more captivating homepage that better showcases the platform’s unique value proposition.
    • Streamlined Onboarding: The initial registration flow felt cumbersome, so I introduced a “skip for now” option to prioritize immediate access to the core features.
    • Dashboard Clarity: Users sought clearer navigation within the dashboard, including filtering options and clearer labeling for the side navigation bar.
    • Library Redesign: Feedback highlighted the need for a more visually engaging library experience.

These insights guided subsequent design iterations, leading to a more refined and intuitive experience for users of all levels. By actively involving users in the design process, I ensured the platform evolved to meet their specific needs and preferences.

GamerStats - Quotes 1 @evoxal.com

Visual Design & Building Blocks

GamerStats - Colour @Evoxal.com
GamerStats - Typography @Evoxal.com

To ensure a consistent and user-friendly experience, I developed a modular design system for the gaming stats tracker. This system consists of reusable components tailored to the platform’s dark theme and the specific needs of gamers.

GamerStats - Design System @evoxal.com

Evolution Through Iteration: A Never-Ending Quest for the Optimal Player Experience

Iterative Refinement

Designing a platform for gamers is a thrilling, yet ever-evolving journey. The passion and high expectations of the gaming community demand a relentless pursuit of improvement, a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. With this project, I embraced an iterative design philosophy, recognizing that even seemingly perfect solutions can always be refined further.

From the initial wireframes to the current version, each iteration has been shaped by valuable user feedback and a deep understanding of player motivations. While it’s tempting to declare a project “finished,” the truth is that the pursuit of the optimal player experience never truly ends. The gaming landscape is constantly shifting, and my goal is to ensure that this platform evolves alongside it.

Wireframe Annotation - @evoxal.com
Wireframe 2 Annotation - @evoxal.com

This updated registration process aims to appeal to a wider range of gamers. Instead of focusing solely on one genre, the background now showcases a diverse mix, signaling that all players are welcome. I’ve given this screen a complete overhaul, not just visually but functionally too.

Here’s the big change: To reduce the initial overwhelm, I cut down the steps on this first registration page. I’m not trying to trick anyone, so I’ve added a progress bar to show there are a few more steps to go. This gives users a heads-up and a sense of control before they dive in.

Before Version - Hi-Fi (Post Registration Page 1 - @evoxal.com
Hi-Fi (Post Registration Page 2)Annotation - @evoxal.com

Friends Tab: A Social Hub for Gamers

The Friends Tab is more than just a list of names. It’s a social hub designed to connect you with your gaming buddies, foster friendly competition, and celebrate shared achievements. Here’s what you’ll find:

Your Profile: Your own profile takes center stage, showcasing your current rank, recent activity, and a handy 3-dot menu for managing tab-specific settings.

Visual Overhaul: We’ve completely revamped the look and feel of the Friends Tab, making it more visually engaging and informative.

Live Status: See who’s online and which games they’re currently playing, sparking opportunities for impromptu matches or collaborative sessions.

Rank Display: Track your friends’ progress and compare your rankings to ignite friendly rivalry and inspire you to improve your skills.

By incorporating these enhancements, the Friends Tab has transformed into a dynamic and social space where you can connect with fellow gamers, share your progress, and create lasting friendships forged in the crucible of virtual competition.

GamerStats - Friends Tab @evoxal.com

Library Options: A Personalized Game Space

The Library options serves as a personalized game center for your gaming journey, offering both a high-level overview and granular insights into your performance. Here’s what you can do:

Game Tabs: Effortlessly switch between different game statistics using organized tabs. This optimizes space while providing clear access to your entire library.

Actionable Insights: Each game card provides an overview of your key metrics, allowing you to quickly assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Intuitive Filtering: Refined filtering options let you drill down into specific stats by time frame, game mode, or even individual matches.

Social Connection: See which of your friends are also playing your favorite games, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition.

Quick Access to Details: With a single click, dive into detailed reports for each game, uncovering hidden insights and patterns in your gameplay.

Search & Filter: Easily find the information you need with robust search functionality and customizable filters.

GamerStats - Library Sidebar Tab @evoxal.com

Mobile Version (Demo)

GamerStats - Mobile verion Demo 1 @evoxal,com
GamerStats - Mobile verion Demo 2 @evoxal,com
GamerStats - Mobile verion Demo 3 @evoxal,com
GamerStats - Mobile verion Demo 4 @evoxal,com
GamerStats - Mockup @evoxal.com

Major Changes & Learnings: Evolving Beyond Stats

Initial Exploration & Feedback

My initial vision for the project was a straightforward stats tracker, catering to gamers’ desire to monitor their performance. However, early user feedback revealed a lack of excitement for this concept. Competitor analysis confirmed that many basic trackers already existed. This prompted me to rethink the platform’s core purpose and unique value proposition.

Shifting Towards Community & Gamification

I realized that to truly stand out, the platform needed to become more than just data points. Inspired by user feedback and successful models in other industries, I shifted towards a community-focused, achievement-driven approach. This led to the inclusion of:

  • Leaderboard & Ranking System: To foster competition and a sense of progress.
  • Reward System: Gamifying the experience with tiered rewards that cater to various player motivations.
  • Community Features: Adding forums, guides, and social elements to create a sense of belonging and shared passion.

Design Challenges and Solutions

  • Data Presentation: Recognizing the risk of overwhelming casual users with complex data, I devised a multi-tiered approach.
  • Simple Mode: Provides a streamlined overview of essential stats.
  • Advanced Mode: Offers deep dives into customizable data for hardcore players.
  • Game Variety: To cater to the diverse range of game genres, I developed a “Custom Stats Box” concept that utilizes data directly from game developers, ensuring relevant and engaging metrics for all types of games.
  • Monetization: To support the platform’s growth, I’ve explored various monetization strategies, including premium subscriptions, ads, and strategic partnerships with relevant brands.

Lessons Learned

This iterative process reinforced the importance of:

  • Continuous User Research: Adapting my initial assumptions based on real user feedback was crucial to the platform’s evolution.
  • Balancing Complexity and Usability: Creating different experiences for casual and hardcore players ensures inclusivity without compromising depth.
  • Long-Term Vision: A successful platform is not built in a vacuum. By thinking about community, gamification, and sustainability early on, I’ve set the stage for a product that can grow and adapt to user needs.

Learnings: Empowering Gamers Through Data and Community

This project solidified my belief in the power of user-centered design to transform complex data into meaningful experiences. Here are my key takeaways:

  • The Importance of Data: Game stats are more than just numbers; they’re a reflection of a player’s journey, skill progression, and enjoyment. Designing for effective data visualization and interpretation is crucial for player engagement.
  • The Value of Customization: Gamers are diverse, with unique preferences and playstyles. A flexible platform that allows for personalization (through dashboards, leaderboards, and filters) empowers users and caters to a wider audience.
  • Building a Community: Beyond stats tracking, this project highlighted the importance of creating a space for players to connect, share knowledge, and foster a sense of belonging. This aspect is key to building long-term engagement and loyalty.
  • The Balance of Simplicity and Depth: Catering to both casual and hardcore gamers requires a delicate balance. Progressive disclosure, clear visual hierarchy, and intuitive navigation are key to making complex information accessible to everyone.

Final Thoughts

I believe that the future of gaming lies not only in the games themselves but also in the communities and tools that surround them. This project represents my first step towards creating an inclusive space where gamers can celebrate their achievements, connect with others, and unlock their full potential through data-driven insights. While many ideas are in the pipeline, I am actively exploring features that will enhance the current experience and expand the possibilities of the platform even further. Stay tuned for exciting future developments that will revolutionize the way players interact with their gaming data.

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