Creating a Welcoming
Arcade Experience
A fictional arcade app, emphasizing visual design. This personal project showcases the entire process from concepts to an interactive app.
My Role: UX/UI Designer
May 2023 - July 2023
Tools: Figma
Overview
Problem
Visiting an arcade for the first time can sometimes be overwhelming. How can I make the arcade experience more comfortable and convenient for new and returning customers?
Solution
I created an arcade app that guides users with game instructions and provides options to plan in advance such as reservations, a food menu, events, and pricing.
Getting Started
Arcade Websites as Inspiration
While analyzing competitors, I notice there are little to no arcade apps. Thus, I heavily rely on arcade websites for branding, structure, and popular apps for user flows.
Conduct Interviews to find User Needs
I conducted 5 user interviews. The findings revealed user pain points and what features may be needed.
Low-Fidelity Designs
Quickly Brainstorm
After analyzing popular apps and competitor websites, I quickly sketch ideas based on Netflix's engaging appeal with Spotify's content overview.
The heart indicates the final iteration I will use to digitize.
Make Designs Interactive
Finally, I make the wireframes interactive to test for navigation ease.
Test Prototype on Users
I test on 6 users to understand the app’s usability and usefulness. It’s vital to limit the visual content to gather feedback focusing on the structure.
High-Fidelity Designs
Solve Issues & Polish Designs
I went back to address each pain point I gathered from user testing:
Reduce scrolling: users can see all vital information at first glance.
Filter Feature: easy to select categories.
Comfort: provide plenty of information and reflect an inviting atmosphere
Design System
I created a design system, so easy updates can be made with a single adjustment such as changing a button's color applies across all buttons.
Conclusion
Real World Challenges
Looking back, I would start by identifying the key user problem with arcades and evaluating whether an app is the right solution. Understanding the limitations of an arcade business and assessing the app’s value is crucial to avoiding costly mistakes.
A quote from a participant:
“The app is very useful because I like playing games with my friends and we're always trying to find things to do on the weekends, but many arcades may not even have a website.”