Get To Know Cozy Games
At a Glance...
An interactive web prototype that informs users about the evolution of the popular game genre, cozy games. Mainly showcases skills of UX, UI and digital design.
Timeline
Sept 2021 - Jan 2022
Software
Adobe XD
InDesign
01 Concept
‘Get To Know Cozy Games’ is a prototype website that showcases the evolution of cozy games from a small and niche genre to becoming widely recognised and respected. It also highlights the impact cozy games had on the video-game industry such as through establishing more diversity and overall creating a more welcoming side to the gaming community. The overarching goal of this project is to create an interactive website for all ages that educates and breaks the stigma on video-games. There needed to be elements of playfulnesss but also enough information to interest adult users.
02 Initial Design
Initially the website only focused on Nintendo’s influence on the video-game industry, however it gradually developed into a more nice and original concept about the cozy game genre. This wireframe was inspired by the Super Nintendo Console, and it intended to make the user feel as if they were playing a video-game. Eventually this design developed into a more modern concept inspired by the Nintendo Switch.
03 Final Outcome
For the final outcome of the project, there were significant changes from the initial concept. I opted for more rounded edges in order to give it a more approachable and playful feel. The title screen leading into the main menu gave it a more immersive ‘video-game like’ experience, further adding to the playfulness. The colour scheme and overall design is heavily inspired by the Nintendo Switch console and Animal Crossing New Horizons.
04 A Closer Look
The final pages of the website.
05 Wireframe
As seen in the wire frame, I created a simple animated effect for the menu screen where the icons would enlarge and shrink in a ‘bouncing’ manner, thus adding to the ‘friendly’ nature of the design.
06 Reflection
Not only has this project allowed me to significantly develop my Adobe XD and design skills, but it also gave me the freedom to have fun while doing it. I pushed my creativity through designing vectors and creating small elements of animation to bring the website to life. I felt accomplished to be able to balance the different responsibilities of research, design and concept building throughout the process. This project has taught me how to make the most of user testing and how to take feedback head on.
Although I am very proud of how this project turned out, I recognise that there are some parts in which I would improve. For example, being more ambitious with the interactive elements and perhaps having more consistent animated elements throughout the whole website.
Skills Gained:
User Interface
User Testing
Vector Design
Prototyping