Create a UI for a modern, mobile version of Space Invaders
As an onboarding project, I was tasked to create UI for a modern version of the classic arcade game Space Invaders. I was given a few main considerations design towards:
- Short session length
- Easy replayability
- Flexibility of UI to support future development
Research
The process began with researching other games that also followed the key considerations of having a short session length and being easy to replay. For each game I researched I took note of their key features that make the game enjoyable in a short session length, the player motivations for each game, as well as what makes the game popular and stand out from other titles. After collating the research I found some common trends between the games I looked into.
Feature wise, the gameplay loop for these games went into the direction of either a campaign system where the player progresses through a series of short levels, or in the direction of an endless system where the player aims for a high score instead. A lot of these games also include some form of collectible skins, which the players can collect to customise their character or other elements of the game. Common motivations I found were that the players were looking for a very casual experience that allowed for the game to be easy to pick up and put down.
Ideation
Using the research I conducted, I was able to brainstorm different gameplay elements and features to include. I started sketching out different ideas I had for screens with these features in mind, and used those to decide on the gameplay loop and systems I would want to create in the game.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
I was undecided on two variations of the game after sketching the ideas I had and finding what met the main considerations the best - and endless system or a level by level system. To help decide on one, I decided to create wireframes for both ideas, and user test them both to make an informed choice on what players would prefer the most.
Endless
Campaign
User Testing
After user testing my prototypes I was able to answer some questions and make some informed decisions going forward with the next iteration. The aim of the testing being:
- Finding a preferred gameplay loop
- Finding what motivates players to play the game
I came up with a list of questions which would help make some decisions and answer some questions about player motivations. I also made a list of tasks for the users to do when testing the game, which will also help inform which variation players lean towards, as well catch any initial UX issues.
Findings
- Players liked the endless variation for the simple click to play system rather than having to select a level before playing (also meets the main considerations of easy replayability)
- Wasn't enough depth in the endless variation for long term retention
- Upgrade system in the campaign variation was liked and important to players for retention, players like to feel like they're progressing and getting more powerful the further into the game they are
- Players enjoyed the gacha system to unlock new ships
I decided that for the next iteration I would combine both variations into an easy to replay game, but also include a progression system to help with retention.
Iteration
I started looking at other games with similar gameplay loops (endless loop with an upgrading system), and iterated on the previous designs based on the findings and further research making sure the main considerations and player motivations are all met.
The new iteration allowed for players to jump right into the gameplay directly from the home screen, included some depth with the upgrade system and collectible ships through a gacha system.
High Fidelity Prototype
Design System
