Crafting Confidence and Connectivity: A Case Study on Developing a Comprehensive Gaming Companion App for “Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom”
“Fueled by User-Centric Research, Resulting in an Enhanced and Enjoyable Gamer Experience! Empowering Streamers and Gamers with 2-Factor Authorization and Essential In-Game Insights."
My Role:
UX Designer/Researcher
Responsibilities:
Research
Wireframing
User Flow
Empathy mapping
Interviewing
Tools Used:
Miro
Figma
Canva
Dovetail
Maze
Problem
The rising demand for coaching and companionship services in the gaming community, driven by the popularity of “the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’’, calls for a multifaceted open-world gaming app that accommodates user preferences for gameplay improvement and entertainment. It must also cultivate community, facilitate cross-gender interactions, and strengthen user loyalty.
Goal
This case study aims to enhance the gaming experience by understanding and addressing the specific needs, motivations, and challenges of multiplayer gamers.
Explore gamer motivations for streaming, subscriptions, and community engagement.
Assess the impact of stream watching on player skill development.
Identify and address user pain points in coaching, interactions, and payment security.
The Solution
The solution is an open-world gaming app that combines gameplay improvement and enjoyable content for users of “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.” It offers a user-friendly payment system, promotes community building, cross-gender interactions, and fosters strong user loyalty within our target audience.
To accomplish these objectives, the research employs a range of methodologies, including competitive analysis, surveys, participant interviews, and storyboard visualization. The ultimate goal was to synthesize the research findings to shape the design process and create a more user-focused companion app.
My Design Process
Empathize
User Research
User Interview
Participant Analysis
Define
User Persona
User Journey Map
Story Boarding
Sitemap
Ideate
Task Flow
User Flow
Wire Frames
Design
Prototype
Usability Testing
Test
Priority Revisions
Final Revisions
Project Challenges
Analyzing and categorizing the demographic, psychographic, and behavioral traits of the intended user group.
Examining and sincerely recognizing the authentic pain points of the audience with genuine empathy
Crafting the end-to-end application companion app experience for Gen X females by providing them with intuitive pathways and integrated features aligned with the audience's goals
Empathize Phase
I applied a methodology rooted in competitive and comparative analysis to gain a deep understanding of user sentiments within companion gaming apps, particularly focusing on "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom." Through interviews with five participants, I honed in on their expectations for a user profile feature. The proposed solution is a thoughtfully crafted open-world gaming app that not only enhances gameplay but also caters to user preferences, including a secure two-factor payment system. This research embodies genuine empathy. It ensures that the resulting companion app authentically aligns with the emotions and desires of "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" community.
Product Users
My objectives encompassed understanding the demographics of these players, delving into their age and gaming preferences. The specific focus was to determine whether a companion app would align with their interests and enhance their gaming experience. Additionally, I explored the streamers they followed, discerning whether their choices were motivated by entertainment or tutorial content. The study also delved into the devices they typically used for accessing companion apps and watching streams, providing essential information about the platforms integral to their gaming experiences. Simultaneously, I sought to uncover any barriers users faced when making purchases through companion apps or subscriptions to streamers.
Quantitative Research
In preparation for my upcoming primary study, I conducted an online survey specifically targeting individuals within a gaming community dedicated to the Zelda franchise who have previously engaged with gaming companion apps for open-world experiences. The aim was to refine my audience selection
Observations
55%
My audience average age 26-49 years of age while the remaining were over 50.
73%
Frequency of gameplay in “The Legend of Zelda:TOTK”
82%
Subscribers that access “The Legend of Zelda:TOTK” live stream
55%
Users that prefer using desktop to view live stream
Methodologies
Secondary Research
Comparative & Competitive Research
Through my research, I discovered the effects of well-crafted user interfaces (UI) and additional features/services on elevating overall service and user experience within the domain of Open World Gaming companion apps. This investigation delves into the technical nuances of how these elements have influenced the user experience, uncovering enhancements or setbacks in different scenarios.
Competitive Analysis Results
Final Fantasy XIV
The progression and storytelling aspects of this game genre have received widespread acclaim, making it stand out as a top performer. Additionally, the companion app is renowned for its exceptional efficiency and thoughtful design.
Manage everything for your character on your mobile.
App is one of the most efficient companion apps.
Chat features with their own stickers.
Ability to have group raids with friends.
Requires active service account.
War Thunder
War Thunder, the combat MMO and war simulator, boasts an exceptionally dedicated player community known for their unyielding pursuit of accuracy. With an expansive roster of over 2,000 vehicles to master, the companion app serves as a valuable tool in enhancing your knowledge and skills
Manage everything for your character on your mobile.
Viewing every statistic the game offers on your and your friend careers, squadron ratings, vehichle scores and more.
Allows you to purchase premium currency.
A free-to play game.
It updates slowly.
Issues with the assistant app.
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft, often regarded as the elder statesman of MMOs, has been thriving for nearly two decades, continually delivering expansions and fresh content. It's the kind of MMO that can be challenging to tear yourself away from, and its companion app offers a convenient way to oversee all aspects of your characters on your mobile device.
Manage everything for your character on you mobile.
You can organize and lead your missions.
Track quests.Manage research trees.
Buy and sell auctions through the in-game market.
Best raid and dungeon designs.
Only what the endgame counts, what you do while leveling is useless and meaningless.
Elitism in the “community” is extremely high.
Primary Research
Persona
Research Synthesis
“Embarking on the exciting adventure of research synthesis, I aimed to set aside personal biases and genuinely connect with my users. To fully immerse myself in their goals, I explored various methodologies, relying on these tools to gain a deeper understanding and refine ideas. It was a process filled with discovery and excitement.”
Resulting Journey Goal
Embarking on the User Journey methodology was like uncovering a roadmap to my users' needs, each step guiding me through uncharted territory with purpose. Stepping into their shoes, this exploration through the creative process laid the foundation for something thrilling and deeply meaningful.
Insightful Story Boarding
Embarking on storyboarding felt like discovering a roadmap that guided me straight to my user's needs. Each frame played a vital role, offering insights into their journey and helping me navigate with precision. It was a method that let me step into my users' shoes, revealing a narrative that paved the way for creating something truly meaningful
User Needs
A dedicated browsing section for "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" featuring streamers categorized by entertainment, tutorial, and creative content, with session sizes tailored to individual user goals.
Features streamlined to include users goals: Locations of materials such as maps, shrines, weapons, armor, streams, faqs/help
Needs two step verification, familiarity of payment such as Apple Pay, Pay Pal. To include visible confirmation of purchase and email confirmation.
Features & Functionalities
To resolve user needs
Streamers
A dedicated streaming section categorizing content creators by entertainment, tutorial, and creative genres, with session sizes customized to individual user goals
Guides
Incorporated a Guides section, empowering users to access a comprehensive array of game-related tools tailored to enhance and optimize their gameplay objectives.
Security
Included with payment features two factor authorization and email confirmation of payment received.
Product User Challenges
Overwhelmed when choosing a streamer for improving gameplay.
Feels like they need to see locations of materials to complete their play through.
Needs a place to be able to ask for help.
Feels a little concerned about subscription security payments.
My Flow Process
Product Sitemap
Task Flow
User Flow
Branding
Mood board
In crafting the branding board for my end-to-end gaming companion app tailored for the open-world experience of "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom," designed specifically for Gen X women, I embarked on a journey that seamlessly integrated the existing brand essence with a touch of originality. Harnessing the nostalgic power of the legendary franchise, I strategically incorporated a mix of original fan art and iconic franchise imagery to evoke a sense of familiarity and excitement. The selection of fonts played a crucial role in conveying the app's identity, ensuring a harmonious blend of modernity and classic gaming aesthetics. Recognizing the pivotal role of streamers in enhancing gameplay experiences, the UI prioritizes featuring popular and affinity-based streamers, creating a user-centric design that aligns seamlessly with the preferences and habits of our gaming community. The result is a branding board that not only pays homage to the beloved game but also resonates with the unique preferences and experiences of the target audience, creating a visual language that speaks authentically to Gen X women gamers.
UI Kit
In designing the UI for my comprehensive gaming companion app, intricately tailored for the expansive world of "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" and curated for Gen X women, my approach revolves around crafting a visually captivating interface. This UI board seamlessly integrates the established brand identity with unique elements, featuring original branding imagery. Noteworthy is the logo, meticulously handcrafted through vector drawing, showcasing a personalized touch developed from the iconic imagery of the franchise. The carefully selected fonts, icons, and color palette are precisely tailored to meet the specific needs, preferences, and goals of our user base. The color selection, drawn from the game's palette, ensures users feel fully integrated and immersed when utilizing the app in conjunction with the actual game, staying true to its iconic aesthetic. The result is an immersive user experience that effortlessly combines functionality with aesthetic appeal
Wireframing
In this case study, I immersed myself in the exploration of low and mid-fidelity screens before transitioning to the higher-fidelity counterparts. The decision to commence with lower fidelity, even incorporating initial sketches, stemmed from a desire to meticulously flesh out my ideas from inception to completion. This approach allowed me to visualize and refine the evolving concepts, aligning them with the user's needs, desires, and overarching goals. As evidenced in the progression, the screens undergo a transformative journey, encapsulating the iterative development process tailored to meet the user's evolving requirements.The screens undergo a transformative journey, evolving to meet the changing needs and desires of the users, reflecting the iterative process of development.
Search for a Service
USER FLOW #1 Included User’s Goals of selected features in the GUIDES screen.
Low Fidelity
Mid Fidelity
Higher Fidelity
Select a Service
HIGHER FIDELITY
USER FLOW #2 User Selects a subscription service.
Low Fidelity
Mid Fidelity
High Fidelity
Complete A Purchase
HIGHER FIDELITY
USER FLOW #3 Included Two factor authorization to meet user’s wants in security.
Low Fidelity
Mid Fidelity
High Fidelity
Usability Testing
In the upcoming steps, we'll delve into the evaluation of three task flows by five participants in an unmoderated testing. We'll focus on the usability aspects and forthcoming results, shedding light on how the task flows performed under unmoderated conditions using Maze application.
Task Flows Tested
Sign up for new app and search for stream service.
Browse streamer service and select subscription type.
Complete subscription payment process.
Conclusions
Measure of Success
The success metrics for the MVP's prototyping phase are straightforward:
Can users effortlessly complete tasks
Is their time investment optimized
Are they enjoying a stellar experience (aiming for a rating between 4.0-5.0)?
The results, measured against these key benchmarks, providing a clear picture of our achievement in user-centric design.
Over all satisfaction
100%
Ability to complete all tasks.
100%
Completed tasks easily.
96%
Over all satisfaction goal was an score of 4.8
Priority Revisions
By employing affinity mapping, I visually represented the relationships and patterns within the feedback, which allowed me to prioritize the different areas based on their significance. This approach enabled me to gain actionable insights from the qualitative data.
Affinity Clustering
More Severe Issue
Less Frequent Issue
More Frequent Issue
Less Severe Issue
Prioritizing Changes
Correct connection in prototype by routing stream menu button to browse streamers.
To eliminate confusion with the 2FA , remove option to see cc payment prior to cc entry.
Revisit terminology on CTA buttons in payment screen to help eliminate confusion.
Remove hamburger menu from mobile version to eliminate confusion with the intuitive navigation. Menu would be located in Home Icon for mobile version.
User Iterations Applied
The design process was guided by valuable user feedback, emphasizing easy navigation and intuitive flows while respecting the game's branding. Users appreciated continuity in color choices. User behavior revealed a preference for clicking the stream button at the bottom, bypassing the main menu. Addressing payment and 2FA confusion, I removed visible payment details from the initial screen and added breadcrumbs for payment progress clarity. These adjustments aimed to streamline the user experience and improve platform navigation
Conclusion
The "Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" Streamer Integration App aims to enhance the gaming experience by connecting players with their favorite streamers. Solving for the target audience will be critical for the success of this app. It has the potential to create a thriving community of Zelda enthusiasts and boost engagement with the game and its streaming community.
Final Product
Insights
Navigating Challenges:
Acknowledged and tackled challenges in working on a mobile app project with minimal prior experience.
Gaming Industry Immersion:
Developed a new found passion for the gaming industry during the project.
Initially struggled with mobile app elements, notably adding an unintentional login screen.
Personal Engagement:
Explored gaming firsthand, particularly falling in love with “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom”.
Became a moderator for a gaming YouTube streamer, gaining insights into community needs.
User-Centric Approach:
Immersed in gaming culture to grasp audience requirements, leading to the idea of a gaming companion app.
Project Significance:
My most exciting and memorable of the year project of the year.
Leveraged direct engagement with the gaming community for iterative improvements.
Community Collaboration:
Actively sought and incorporated guidance and approval from the gaming community.
Received extensive feedback, emphasizing the community's enthusiasm for the case study.
Listen up!
I'd like to offer a glimpse into my personal design process and the sources of inspiration that fueled my study. Exploring both fan-made interpretations and original scores within the Zelda franchise, I found creative inspiration flowing through me. Navigating the complexities of prototyping during this engaging project brought immense satisfaction, weaving this chapter into my journey in UX design.