Project 1 Submission

Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QhkMzNZO3P9qAi6y2KUc2oVgk7tCH7yn/view?usp=drive_link

Research + Development: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16C6lPeOt6vzIOZZBhckt_PudIyyuKJZi/view?usp=drive_link

Reflection

The 4-week diagnostic project challenged me to define my area of interest within game design by conducting research and producing outcomes within my chosen speciality. At the beginning of the project, I was unsure what I wanted to specialise in as I was interested in prop design, texture art, UI design and tabletop game design; however, after thorough research, I became more interested in UI/UX design and decided to produce UI designs for a conceptual first-person shooter sci-fi horror game set within a submarine.

Since I come from a graphic design background, the diagnostic project was my first proper introduction to game design, therefore I used it as an opportunity to discover resources and do broad research into game design studios, artists and designers, the psychology and principles behind UI/UX design and more. The most useful resource I discovered during the project was the GDC Vault, containing a variety of talks about UI/UX design which introduced me to terminology such as ‘cognitive load’ and ‘player engagement’ within the context of game design. One of my most valuable insights from my research was understanding how UI/UX design can significantly affect gameplay, and this insight enabled me to create concepts which aimed to enhance a player’s experience, through immersion and suspense. For example, for my sci-fi horror game concept set in a submarine invaded by aliens, I created a concept for a risk-and-reward-UI minigame which would allow players to open submarine doors quickly if completed correctly, or else the door would jam, resulting in the player being trapped with enemies.

Overall, I believe the diagnostic project enabled me to learn a lot about UI/UX design, explore useful resources and discover various artists, designers and studios. I enjoyed producing the initial main menu and HUD designs for my game concept and I believe they fit the game’s theme with their design style inspired by real submarine UI, which combines visuals, such as radars, within the crosshair and weapon wheel designs. I aim to develop my concepts further using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and After Effects and establish a more distinct and consistent design style. I may further develop the project in the future and create prototypes using Adobe XD/Figma or learn how to produce an interactive UI system using Blueprints in Unreal Engine 5.