SARAH WEST
AT A GLANCE
1
Personal Project
15
User Tests
5
Weeks
5
Iterations
Overview
Score Tracker is a handy application to assist any game playing guru or novice to quickly add up points in several classical gaming situations.
There are always moments when someone pulls out a game and then realizes they then have to scrounge up some paper and pen to keep score. While there are game companies that provide scoring pads, those eventually run out. Some days, it simply comes down to the fact that players don’t want to have to take up playing time doing the math.
Through an iterative User experience design process, I have created a simple to use scoring app for such situa- tions. I wanted an application that would allow players to keep track of scores in different settings; games using dominoes, dice, or just basic adding and subtracting.
Research
I employ mind maps to help lay out all of my initial ideas into one visible area. This allows me to decide which aspects to include within my first design.
Researching other apps will help me to discover what could make mine stand out/what features people are looking for.
Low Fidelity Design
Usability Testing
The first prototype was usability tested on three individuals. I digitized this low fi version using the Marvel App
Scenario:
You are wanting to play a game of monopoly and decided to keep track of points on your new app. Begin your game and place a player into the game.
Making Changes
After the first round of testing, I was ready to make changes. Now more in the format of a phone to begin thinking of the interface design as well.
I changed the drop down game menu into a screen of its own
This screen received new icons and wording.
I wanted multiple players to be added easily so I included an Add Another button
Scenarios:
1. You’ve downloaded a new app to keep track of scores in you and your friends game. Go ahead and set it up with some players.
2. Now that your game is all set up, you begin playing. After the first round Player 1 got 20 points. Add those points on the app.
3. You keep playing, but something’s come up and you need to end the game. Save the scores you have so you can keep playing later.
4. Another game you are playing includes dominoes. It takes a while to count pips. Use your score keeping app to add your domino.
More Testing
This round of testing is with three new individuals to see how they go through it and if everything is kosher. All testing for this project had to be conducted online due to the beginning of the Covid pandemic.
Faces covered to protect privacy
Making Changes
Changes are now moving from paper prototypes to digital; allowing for further refinement.
This page was merged with the player screen to add simplicity and lessen screens. Dominoes and dice are automatically included.
The Save option was moved to the main screen for added visibility for players.
The option to name the game was placed on the upper portion of the main game screen. As well as score winning options.
The + symbol was removed in front of the quick press numbers to lessen confusion. It’s redundant because there’s also an ADD button.
Domino buttons are separated so players aren’t looking for all domino combinations.
Testing Round 3
After this round of testing, I came to realize some of the faults in my scenarios. These made it harder to navigate the app itself. Changes to the design will need to be made as well.
Scenarios:
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You’ve downloaded a new app to keep track of scores in you and your friends game. Go ahead and set it up with some players.
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Now that your game is all set up, you begin playing. After the first round Player 1 got 20 points. Add those points on the app.
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You keep playing, but something’s come up and you need to end the game. Save the scores you have so you can keep playing later.
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Another game you are playing includes dominoes. It takes a while to count pips. Use your score keeping app to add your domino.
Making Changes
Time to add little bit more design to our prototype.
For the new changes, a different element of design was needed. I changed colors to make the screen more interesting and animated. The Home Screen received an update in icons. The golden color helps brighten the page.
I discovered that a game set up menu hadn’t been as successul before due to errors in my scenario. I went back to it to free up tapping space on the player screen.
The domino screen needed a large overhaul. The numbers needing to be a larger size. The overall space usage also was changed to be more dynamic.
Back to Usability Testing
After changing the scenario wording, I saw that users were more capable of navigating the app. I needed more background information to help the 4 users I tested this round
Background:
You are planning to play a game of Mexican Train with a friend. You’ve downloaded an app that will track everyone’s score. In this game you need the least points possible to win the game.
Scenarios:
• Set up the game with two players: Jack and Jill
• Jack gets this domino (Show actual domino). Add the
points to his score.
• Save the game so you can continue playing later.
All users had a different conceptual model because they were testing a phone app on a computer. This led to confusion with certain aspects of the app. They tried the computer keyboard before the ‘phone’ keyboard.
Making Changes
Time to add little bit more design to our prototype.
The hamburger menu was too much of a focal point. It won’t be used as much so it can have a softer color.
There is a lot of open space and the buttons are squished. I spread them out and connected the icons more completely with the words.
Adding some subtle drop shadows really help the buttons to pop out more on a screen.
Here the Higher/Lower score are switched to a slider. This helps users know that both the Dice Roller and Domino Counter can be pressed. The box outline was also removed
The updates in design are moved over to this screen as well. The save game button holds more importance and the col- or gives it hierarchy.
Final Results
Experience it yourself!
The scenario remains the same: You are going to play Mexican Train with a friend and have a new app to keep score. Your tasks include: setting up the game, recording points made from a domino, and then saving the game.
Begin by pressing ‘Start New Game’
Insert game data. In this instance, low score wins and we wish to in- clude dominoes
After preferences are chosen, the game can start.
Every game needs a player!
Add a name and choose an icon. Hit enter when ready.
Players have been added and can now rack up points. Easily done with the handy domino counter.
Each domino square is a handy button to add points to any given player.
Jill’s now in the lead. If there’s no time to finish the game now, the ‘Save Game’ button will come in handy
You’ve successfully saved the game!
Conclusion
Score Tracker is sure to be a handy application for any game user to want. Not only does it make adding scores easier, but it also means not having to waste paper, or search for a pencil. With a simple user face and easy to use buttons and interactions, it will make for a great user experience.
There are added bonuses such as a dice roller and domino counter which make this application unique in and of itself. Other special features include personal icons, starting points for the game, and being able to return to any saved game.