PROJECT OVERVIEW
For my senior graduation project, I aim to develop a transformative platform centered around my passion for gaming. Gaming has profoundly influenced my life, and I recognize a significant opportunity to create a space that not only enhances the gaming experience but also supports and connects individuals. By designing this platform, I intend to harness the power of gaming to foster community, collaboration, and personal growth, ultimately benefiting a diverse audience.
PROJECT GOAL
I want to develop a centralized game currency platform that empowers gamers to take control of their spending by effectively monitoring their purchasing habits. This platform will feature a distinctive digital card designed to serve as the primary payment method for all in-game transactions, streamlining the purchasing process and enhancing user experience. Through real-time analytics and personalized spending insights, users will be better equipped to manage their finances while enjoying their gaming experience.
TIMELINE
September - April
8 months
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
UI Design
UX Research
Branding
Prototype Development
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
figma
premiere pro
photoshop
procreate
PROBLEM
In the contemporary video game landscape, particularly within mobile and console games, a significant trend has emerged: the prevalence of free-to-play models. Developers often rely on micro-transactions as a primary revenue stream, allowing players to purchase various in-game items such as cosmetics, characters, weapons, and abilities. While these purchases may not necessarily impact overall gameplay, they can significantly enhance the gaming experience.
I want to develop a centralized game currency platform that empowers gamers to take control of their spending by effectively monitoring their purchasing habits. This platform will feature a distinctive digital card designed to serve as the primary payment method for all in-game transactions, streamlining the purchasing process and enhancing user experience. Through real-time analytics and personalized spending insights, users will be better equipped to manage their finances while enjoying their gaming experience.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it remains imperative for developers to consider the potential consequences of micro-transactions and to implement measures that promote responsible spending among players. Addressing these concerns is crucial for maintaining a healthy gaming environment and ensuring a positive experience for the community.
OPPORTUNITIES
This solution focuses on addressing the needs of gamers and parents who invest in micro-transactions. By offering a personalized digital card, users can streamline all in-game purchases and establish a budget limit, enabling direct payments through the platform. This approach not only simplifies the payment process but also empowers users to track their spending more effectively. By providing detailed insights and data on purchasing patterns, the platform promotes the development of healthy spending habits within the gaming community. Ultimately, this initiative aims to foster responsible financial behaviour while enhancing the overall gaming experience
RESEARCH INSIGHT
Throughout the design process, I conducted thorough research on relevant precedents, including existing platforms vital to my concept. I examined platforms such as PayPal, Mint, Coda Shop, and various micro-transaction systems in video games. This targeted research provided me with a comprehensive understanding of visual design and information architecture, among other aspects.
Some aspects of the project that require significant attention include the tone of the platform. It is essential to establish what emotions users should experience while interacting with it. Should the communication feel like persistent nagging about their habits, or should it embody a gentle reminder? One proposed strategy is to conduct role-playing scenarios to determine the critical wording that can be incorporated. This approach aims to foster a sense of reminder while avoiding annoyance, ensuring that users feel supported rather than pressured.V
Micro-transactions make up 88% of digital games revenues
In 2020s all micro-transactions made up $92.6 billion
It is a fast-growing industry
Gamers spend an average of $70/per month
TARGET AUDIENCE
LIVE STREAMER
The ones who spent the most money on video games
To create content
Often re-invest their earnings
To show off cosmetics
Review characters or showcase
LOW - HIGH SPENDER
Spent less than $10 per month
For self-enjoyment
Battle pass
Cosmetics/Characters/Abilities
PARENTS
Monitor their child’s spending on games
Teach their child how to spend responsibly
PERSONA
BRAND IDENTITY
MOODBOARD
INITIAL PROTOTYPE
Initially, I planned to develop a desktop platform that users could access through their computers. However, after receiving feedback from multiple sources, I realized that a mobile app would be more accessible, convenient, and user-friendly. Shifting my focus to a mobile platform helped me better understand the needs and habits of users, allowing me to prioritize features that encourage long-term engagement. By carefully considering the mobile user experience, I am confident that I can create an app that is both practical and convenient for users wherever they are.
After creating the initial prototype, much of the feedback I received focused on UI improvements to make the app more user-friendly and ensure that only the most important information is displayed on the main screens, while secondary information can be accessed through additional pages.
Some testers also noted that certain text was too small and difficult to read. In addition, the prototype was missing purchasing-related screens and several key features central to the concept, such as purchase history, payment tracking, statistics, and spending graphs. These suggestions helped identify important areas for improvement and provided a clearer direction for future development.
FINAL OUTCOME
GamePay is currently an interactive prototype on Figma.
