GIF Image of Mincraft Dungeons mockup on a Nintendo Switch and an Android device

My Process

Problem Statement:
The objective of this project was to evaluate the usability of Minecraft Dungeons and make iterative improvements to the UI in order to enhance the player's experience.
Empathize:
Developed a player/user journey based on the existing gameplay & Ul. This simultaneously creates empathy for the user and reveals an understanding of a player's pain points and the overall user experience.
Player Journey
Persona
Developed a persona to better understand user motivations and frustrations.
Persona: Stuart: A Chill Explorer Stuart enjoys exploring the world and finding secret spots, creatures and experiences that no one ever found in the game. He loves sharing his findings with his friends in the game and leads them to see what he has seen.Stuart doesn’t like competition and/or making other players miserable in the game. He treats video game experience as a ‘break’ from his life & responsibilities.Stuart’s Info39 years oldFreelancer$80k Annual incomeFather of one (3 years old)No hobbies because of family responsibilities Stuart playsNintendo SwitchUsually plays 2 hours per week during weekendPlays at homeGreat wifi connectionsOften getting distracted by kid and house chores Stuart’s MotivationsStuart loves fun, relaxing game experience because he loves the moment he can spend with himself in the game.Stuart likes to explore and discover the ‘weirdiest’ places that no one would ever think of.It motivates Stuart a lot when Stuart finds out a secret path or shortcut to somewhere and collects a very unique gear, even if it seems ‘useless’.Stuart also likes to share what he has found in the game with the friends he made in game. Constraints Stuart hasStuart’s game experience is often distracted by any ‘emergency’ at home: kid screaming, overwhelmed wife, so that Stuart needs to be able to pause the game and resume it whenever he can come back.Stuart also has limited budget for games because he also needs to provide financial support to his family.

Paper Prototype

Created a paper prototype to improve the player experience. This process helped organize a flow chart/user flow for the game’s menu system.
Minecraft Paper
User Flow
Developed a proposed user flow that would bring a more intuitive navigation to the the game. 
minecraft user flow

Wireframe
Wireframe iterated Wireframe

Icons
I developed an icon set that complements the menu labeling, making it easier for players to find information quickly. Additionally, the icons were designed in a 'Minecraft'-style theme to resonate with fans and align with the brand identity.
Icons
Prototype
The prototype introduces a carousel format, taking the iterated wireframe a step further. The labeling and menu system is more intuitive so even a casual gamer will be able to navigate through the menus.
Minecraft Dungeons Character select carousel Nintendo switch mockupMinecraft Dungeons load screen nintendo switch mockupMinecraft Dungeons options screen Nintendo switch mockup


Mobile Version
Although the menu system and character select screens are different, Minecraft Dungeons is already available for the Switch.

However, I iterated further on a mobile version of the game, which addressed the needs of the persona, Stuart. A mobile version would offer some flexibility of when he can play. If he is stuck waiting somewhere, he can play from his wireless device instead of waiting to get home before he can play.
Mobile Version mockup android device
Mobile Version
I tested the prototype with a color blind simulator tool. It yielded good results: Nice contrast with yellow/black button scheme, still visible by most with a color vision handicap.
Minecraft CB
Thank you