GAMEGROW

role

UI/UX Designer, UX Researcher

tools

Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop

team

Personal Project

Duration

12 weeks

VIEW PROJECT
VIEW PROJECT

1. INTRODUCTION

GameGrow is a dynamic web app that unites game developers in a vibrant community. It's a platform where developers can connect with each other, playtest each others games, while also improving their game dev skills through a dedicated learning page. Our community-based platform encourages knowledge exchange, project collaboration, and progress updates, making GameGrow a nurturing space for game development enthusiasts.

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2. THE PROBLEM

Game developers face obstacles in obtaining valuable feedback and finding collaborators for their projects. Existing solutions often lack affordability and accessibility. GameGrow bridges this gap by offering free playtesting tools, community-based learning, and a platform for connecting developers, streamlining the game development process.

"Finding playtesters and connecting with fellow developers is a real pain. It's costly and often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. GameGrow could be the solution we need."

3. RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY

In the initial research phase of the GameGrow project, I aimed to explore existing platforms catering to game developers, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and identify opportunities to create a unique and valuable experience. This research served as the foundation for shaping GameGrow into a platform that combines the concept of a professional networking platform with a focus on playtesting capabilities.

For 50 testers, it will cost you $425 USD on Gametester.gg!

Synthesis and Opportunity

Combining insights from the competitive analysis, I recognized a unique opportunity to create a platform that bridges the gap between professional networking and playtesting within the game development industry. I envisioned GameGrow as a "LinkedIn for game devs," where professionals could not only showcase their work but also connect with peers, share knowledge, and facilitate collaboration.

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

Connect with colleagues and discover collaborators for your projects.

PLAYTESTING INTEGRATION

Showcase games and find playtesting opportunities from fellow professionals.

COMMUNITY LEARNING

Share tutorials, insights, and resources for continuous learning.

Journey Map

Initial Wireframes

Mobile Wireframes (Lo-Fi): In the early stages of the GameGrow project, I began with mobile wireframes to explore the fundamental structure and layout of the app. These lo-fi wireframes served as a foundation for envisioning how key features and user interactions would translate to smaller screens. I aimed to create a simplified mobile experience that could cater to on-the-go game developers, fostering community engagement and access to essential resources.

Desktop Wireframes (Lo-Fi): As I created the initial desktop wireframes for desktop, I aimed to outline the foundational layout and navigation structure for GameGrow's desktop version. I aimed to provide game developers with a superior playtesting experience. Desktop screens offer more real estate for detailed gameplay analysis, allowing developers to scrutinize graphics, mechanics, and user interactions effectively. This tailored desktop experience aligns with the preferences and workflow of game developers, making it a more powerful and versatile platform for playtesting.

4. DESIGN & ITERATION

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PLAYTEST

On your first dive into the Playtest Page, you'll be presented with two intriguing caves. One leads to exciting game playtesting opportunities, while the other invites you to share and showcase your own game creations.

LEARN

The Learn Page in GameGrow is your gateway to a wealth of game development knowledge. Here, the community shares tutorials, insights, and resources, fostering a culture of growth and education within the industry. It's your go-to destination for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

YOUR PROFILE

PLAYTEST GAMES

UPLOAD YOUR GAME

Interviews and Testing

In pursuit of a user-driven design for GameGrow, I engaged in extensive conversations with fellow game developers and conducted 3 comprehensive user interviews. These interactions provided invaluable insights that inspired significant improvements to the platform's structure and functionality.

EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY: FROM COMMUNITY PAGE TO HOME PAGE

One of the key transformations arising from these consultations was the decision to transform the traditional Community Page into the dynamic Home Page. This alteration was rooted in the collective desire of our user community to foster collaboration, interaction, and meaningful connections. By making this change, GameGrow evolved into a vibrant hub where developers could seamlessly post dev logs, engage in discussions, comment, and support each other's journeys.

To further enhance usability, the discussion forums received a strategic relocation. They were integrated into a user-friendly dropdown menu, cleverly situated beneath the user's profile icon in the navbar. This structural refinement simplifies forum access while preserving an uncluttered and intuitive user interface.

5. LEARNINGS

  1. Effective Scope Management: GameGrow highlighted the significance of precise scope definition and MVP (Minimum Viable Product) development. This approach streamlined resource allocation, prevented scope expansion, and enabled the delivery of a functional design while meeting user requirements on time.
  2. The importance of user research: User research is crucial for understanding the needs and pain points of your target audience, which can inform the design decisions you make. Without user research, you risk building an app that doesn't meet the needs of your users. As a game developer myself, I am part of the target audience, but it is still important to include other developers' perspective's when creating an app designed for them.
  3. The challenges of balancing functionality and simplicity: It can be difficult to strike the right balance between creating an app with all the necessary features and keeping the interface simple and intuitive. It's important to continually test and refine your design to find the optimal balance.