Space Bar
The SpaceBar app is a user-centric mobile application designed to provide an interactive and visual preview of games available at the SpaceBar arcade. Targeted at users who currently lack a quick and visual method to explore the arcade's game offerings, this app aims to enhance their experience and accessibility by allowing them to browse, discover, and engage with the games before visiting the arcade. This app was designed for part of my Google UX course and is based on a fictional arcade that I created.
Accessibility + User-Centric Design
My user research consisted of sending out a survey to a variety of different users, and interviewing some friends. I gathered info on their process of previewing and playing games. I wanted to find out what would get users out of the house, and into an arcade.
I made some assumptions that arcades would draw not just gamers, but all kinds of people looking for something fun to do with friends. I figured food and drinks, and a fun environment, would draw a crowd. This seems to be the case for most people in my user groups.
I made some assumptions that arcades would draw not just gamers, but all kinds of people looking for something fun to do with friends. I figured food and drinks, and a fun environment, would draw a crowd. This seems to be the case for most people in my user groups.
Enhance User Experience and Accessibility
My goal for the home screen was to have a personalized focus for the player, opening with relevant details such as current points accumulated, games they have saved to play, and easy access to the games tab. It was important for me that the design was user-focused.
The game preview portion of the app is designed to be quick and easy. The user can preview images and a video clip of game play, read a description, rate and review, read other reviews, and save the game all from this page.
Usability Study:
I conducted an unmoderated usability study and used my findings to understand how users were interacting with the app, to see if paint points were adequately addressed, and to find out if there were any other user frustrations.
At this point, I hadn't made the filters fully intractable and that was a frustration for some users, as they preferred to use filters over the search bar. Users also wanted profile customization options.
For this project, I did not add profile customization because it wasn't relevant to the specific user journey of previewing and saving games, but I plan to expand in the future.
Redefined Designs:
According to my second usability study, users wanted the filter page to have clickable options. Before, I didn’t prototype extra screens that allowed for users to actually use the filters.
I added extra screens to visualize the layout of the filtered categories. I gave a more detailed view of the games on each category screen because users already knew that they wanted to look at a specific category, as opposed to the general game screen where they haven’t narrowed down their search yet.
I added extra screens to visualize the layout of the filtered categories. I gave a more detailed view of the games on each category screen because users already knew that they wanted to look at a specific category, as opposed to the general game screen where they haven’t narrowed down their search yet.
Accessibility Considerations:
1. Color Contrast
I used the WCAG Color Contrast Checker to ensure that my colors were accessible for everyone, including those with visual impairments.
2. ADHD
One of my main user groups were those with ADHD, as some people found it overwhelming and hard to find and preview games they liked in a way that worked for them.
3. Clear Labels + Icons
I wanted to make sure that all buttons and icons were clearly labeled so that all users could have an easy navigation.
Takeaways:
The SpaceBar app stands as a pivotal tool in transforming how users interact with and discover games at the SpaceBar arcade. By offering a quick, visual, and engaging way to preview games, the app not only enhances the user experience but also drives greater engagement and satisfaction, making it an indispensable part of the SpaceBar ecosystem.
