UX Case Study Arcade App

UX Case Study: Arcade App
Case Study

Overview

Design a game preview app for a local arcade.

Portfolio case study project. My role was Lead UX designer and researcher. My responsibilities included strategy and vision, Trend forecasting, user empathy, user research, person creation, user journey mapping, Innovation facilitation, story boarding, wire framing, prototyping, Quality assurance, Usability evaluation, wire frame testing, Process improvement, Prioritization, Professional development, and Project management. Strategy and vision: Develop and communicate the overall UX strategy aligned with business goals.

Problem:

The problems I am trying to solve revolve around work-life balance for busy professionals. Specifically, I am addressing how busy individuals can maintain their social lives, pursue personal growth, and enjoy leisure activities while managing demanding work schedules, increased responsibilities, and financial constraints.

Solution:

The mobile app, "Insert Coins," will allow users to discover and effortlessly plan engaging local arcade activities. This will benefit busy users by reducing planning time and optimizing their entertainment experiences. This will lead to a better work-life balance, increased social interaction, and cost-effective fun. I will measure effectiveness by tracking user engagement (time spent on the platform, frequency of planning outings), social integration metrics (friend group creation, shared recommendations), and user feedback highlighting the app's impact on their ability to manage their busy lives.

User Journey Mapping

Persona: Elliot

Goal: Use an app that will allow him to preview a local arcade.

ACTION	Targeted Search	Preview	Price/Value Check	Food & Drink Options	Planning the Visit
TASK LIST	A. Search arcades near work, coffee shop, or home B. Filter results by game type based on his interests C. Click on Game page	A. Skims photos + videos to vibe checking the arcade's ambiance B. Checks for games offered C. Looks for events D. Checks reviews & social media.	A. Checks for info on pricing. B. How will he be charged (hourly rates, game based pricing). C. Compares price & deals.	A. Checks for the availability of on-site food and drinks B. Checks Pricing C. Looks for food options.	A. Find directions B. Check operating hours C. See if there's parking available. D. Make reservation esp on the weekends.
FEELING ADJECTIVE	Overwhelm, engaged, nostalgic	Vibrant, welcoming, competitive	Transparent, budget-friendly	Delicious, diverse, hungry	Convenient, hassle-free
IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES	360° view, live stream, search recommendations w/ lists on trends. An interactive map.	User-generated content of games or events, ability to filter reviews by interests.	Compare price with similar games, highlight deals or discounts for weekdays.	Integration with food apps for pre-orders. healthy options.	Real-time traffic updates, integration with parking apps to for costs.

User Journey Mapping

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Persona: Alfie

Goal: Plan a fun and efficient night out with friends at a local arcade.

ACTION	Browse Category	Check Game	Check Level + Players	Save Favorites	Planning the Visit
TASK LIST	A. Browse Games B. Scrolls through categories like "Racing," “Group” C. Select category to explore.	A. Clicks game icon B. Watches short trailer with info. C. Check user reviews.	A. Finds info on the game. B. Details: Easy-hard & player: 1-4. C. Check if the game works for the group.	A. Looks for games for the group. B. Taps star icon to save it to a personalized list. C. List of games to try, saves time.	A. Favorite game and share. B. Selects his method of sharing: i.e. list group text. C. Share list, friends add, hypes the outing.
FEELING ADJECTIVE	Curious, Engaged	Intrigued, Informative	Reassured, Confident	Satisfied, Organized	Connected, Collaborative
IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES	Personalized recs on browser history or filters. Makes search fast & fun.	Offer curated lists or trending games. Sparks new ideas & clearer search.	Visually represent difficulty levels or offer recs based on group size. Makes info easier & saves time.	Allow notes to list, like "good for beginners." Enhances planning & a smooth visit.	Integrate with social media, allowing to share and foster more collaboration.

The Insert Coins mobile app aims to make activity planning effective for busy individuals like our persona’s Elliot and Alfie, focusing on reducing planning time and optimizing entertainment experiences.

Paper Wire-frames

In the paper wireframe stage, we explored intuitive layouts for quick arcade previews, streamlined booking processes, and social integration features. These wireframes laid the foundation for a visually appealing yet simple interface that minimizes cognitive load. We'll measure success through user engagement metrics, social data, and feedback, envisioning Insert Coins as a comprehensive solution that enhances users' day to day by simplifying planning and fostering fun social experiences.

My user-centric approach aimed to address key pain points such as time constraints and decision fatigue, emphasizing efficiency and social connections.

Digital Wireframes +
Prototype

Digital Wireframes

Address key pain points such as time constraints and decision fatigue with action buttons based on user flow.

User-generated content of games or events, ability to filter reviews by game category interests.

Digital Wireframes

Icon Solution on the game cards to simplify planning and fostering fun social experiences and minimizing cognitive load.

Integrate with social media, allowing to share and foster more collaboration.

Low-fidelity Prototype

Figma Prototype Link

Impact

The usability studies revealed several areas for improvement in the arcade app. By addressing these issues, I can significantly enhance the user experience and increase the app's overall appeal. Key findings include the need for improved performance, accessibility features, and customization options. Additionally, refining the food ordering process and providing more accurate location data will contribute to a more positive user experience.

What I Learned

The insights gained from these studies will inform future updates and development efforts, ensuring that the arcade app remains a valuable resource for users seeking gaming and entertainment options.

Accessibility Considerations

01

High Color Contrast

The high-contrast color palette, featuring black and white with a pop of neon green, enhances the overall accessibility of the app design.

02

Increase Text Size

In response to user feedback, I updated the app to have a consistent 12-point font size across all text areas.