The Project: Minecraft Dungeons

For this project, I used Minecraft Dungeons as a template to strengthen my understanding of design principles and techniques in gaming UX/UI. With the game interface as a reference, I created compelling prototypes, user-friendly wireframes, and conducted research and testing to enhance the gaming experience for players.

Roles and Responsibilities

Understanding the game mechanics and designing the user interface. 

Length of the Project

7 weeks.

Challenges

  • Time constraints: Working within tight project deadlines while working a full-time job. The limitations were challenging at times as it hindered the amount of time I had to create, test, and refine the designs.

  • Understanding user engagement: Thinking about how the user will interact with the game and what will keep them coming back for more. What do players find interesting? Is there something they want out of the UI that isn’t present? How does the user feel playing the game?

  • Testing: Finding friends and coworkers willing to help and work around their schedules to conduct a usability test.

  • Thinking outside the box: The project challenged me to think creatively and balance various factors to create engaging and intuitive user experiences for all.

Outcomes

  • Learned the fundamental principles of gaming UX/UI, including player motivation, game mechanics, level design, and storytelling.

  • Gained a better understanding with UX research methods, using collected data and insights to improve the user experience. 

  • Demonstrate how good UI can translate seamlessly into another game’s interface.

  • Knowledge of game design tools and software.

  • Learn how game design approaches accessibility and how to utilize UX/UI to deepen our understanding of inclusivity in the gaming context. 

Post-Mortem

The course materials were engaging, interactive, and encouraged discussions. The instructor was experienced in the field and was able to provide real-world examples and insights. Some of the main takeaways from the course were:

  • Understand the principles of player-centric design.

  • Learn how to create wireframes and prototypes for game UIs.

  • Gain an understanding of usability testing methods and techniques.

  • Create a project that showcases the ability to apply the concepts learned.

The project provided an in-depth understanding of designing user interfaces and user experiences for video games. I look forward to applying this knowledge in the workforce and strengthening my design skills.