WORK PROCESS
I’ve developed and implemented UX/UI workflows across a variety of productions.Since every studio and project varies in size, scope, and timelines, I believe work processes must be flexible and tailored to fit each team’s unique needs.
1: Creative Brief by Directors
In large-scale productions, multiple directors are often involved. We provide creative or feature briefs that define clear goals for new features.
2: User Research / Competitor Analysis
We begin by researching player needs and industry standards. This includes creating player personas, mapping player journeys, and analyzing competitors to inform our direction.
3: Brainstorm and Collaboration
When time allows, it’s always valuable to gather input from the team and explore multiple ideas. This process can involve collaboration not only with other designers but also with cross-disciplinary team members.
4: Create Flowchart, Wireframe & Prototype
Based on our research and brainstorming, We begin creating flowcharts to map out user interactions and ensure no key steps are missed. Next, we move into wireframes and low-fidelity prototypes, regularly checking in with stakeholders to ensure alignment with project goals.
5: UX/UI/Tech Collaboration for UI
To ensure a smooth implementation, we work closely with UI designers, UI tech designers, and UI SEs, Online SEs before finalizing the design.
6: Feature Kick off for Production
Once designs are approved and the team is aligned, we hold a feature kickoff to begin the production phase.
7: a - UI Integration and Preparation by UI Tech
b - Visual Design & Motion Design Mockup
UI tech designers and UI SEs begin preparing the backend based on the wireframes. At the same time, UI designers work on visual design and motion design mockups to define the final look and feel of the feature.
8: UI Integration
Depending on the project, we may first implement the wireframes to test functionality before integrating the visual designs. Separating wireframes from visuals helps us quickly identify issues during playtesting.
9: Playtest
We conduct internal playtests with the team for quick feedback loops. UX designers help facilitate testing, collect feedback, and identify opportunities for improvement.
10: Iteration
Designs are refined based on playtest feedback, and we continue iterating until the experience meets both user needs and project goals.
1: Feature Kickoff
For smaller teams, the process can be shorter and flexible. During the feature kickoff phase, all stakeholders come together to discuss and define goals collaboratively.
2: User Research / Competitor Analysis
We begin by understanding player needs and reviewing industry trends. On smaller teams or projects, we often do a quick competitive analysis to gather relevant insights efficiently.
3: Brainstorm and Collaboration
When time allows, it's always valuable to bring the team together to explore multiple ideas. This phase involves collaboration not only with other designers but also with cross-disciplinary team members.
4: Create Flowchart, Wireframe & Prototype
Based on our research and brainstorming, we start by creating flowcharts to outline user flows and ensure all key interactions are captured. We then move into wireframes and low-fidelity prototypes, checking in regularly with stakeholders to confirm the direction aligns with project goals.
5: UX/UI/Tech Collaboration for UI
To ensure smooth implementation, we collaborate closely with UI designers, UI tech designers, UI software engineers, and online engineers before finalizing the design.
6: Visual Design & Motion Design Mockup
On smaller teams or faster timelines, there's often limited opportunity to test wireframes separately. While it’s ideal to test wireframes independently, we sometimes combine them with visual design during testing due to constraints.
7: UI Integration
We integrate the final UI into the UI tools or game engine, preparing the experience for functional testing and refinement.
8: Playtest
We conduct internal playtests to quickly gather feedback. UX designers help organize, observe, and analyze these sessions to identify issues and potential improvements.
9: Iteration
Based on playtest feedback, we continue refining the design through multiple iterations until it meets both user expectations and project goals.