UX and UI is often taught only in relation to web content creation and applictions, without specific game design context. I wanted to change that and so, I created a UX/UI in games workshop to shed a light on the unique type of interaction that happens between the Player and the Game.
The workshop aimed to introduce and deepen understanding of UX/UI within the context of game design, a field often overlooked in traditional UX/UI education. A goal was to deliver an engaging and educational 2-hour workshop packed with practical UX/UI knowledge specifically tailored to game design.
The challenge was creating a workshop that catered to both experienced professionals and beginners. Audience involved a mix of participants with varying backgrounds in game design, graphic design, and UX/UI.
Balancing the content so that it was neither too simplistic for seasoned participants nor too complex for newcomers was the primary challenge.
MY ROLE | Workshop Creator and Tutor
I was solely responsible for creating, designing, and delivering the workshop.
I defined the workshop's objectives and structure, focusing on what a diverse audience would need to understand about UX/UI in games. Further, I reviewed similar workshops and online resources to understand standard practices and to gauge how much content would fit into a 2-hour session.
The workshop was planned specifically with group exercises to emphasize the importance of teamwork and communication in UX/UI design.
In terms of visual design, I developed a cohesive branding for the workshop, including a color palette and fonts, to create a professional and engaging atmosphere.
Content creation was key.
I used real-life examples from popular games to illustrate key UX/UI principles. Screenshots were sourced from the Game UI Database and other official sources.
I included practical exercises with provided examples to ensure participants could focus on the tasks without confusion. A yellow duck character was used as a playful element to maintain engagement. Participants were asked to count the ducks throughout the presentation, adding an interactive challenge. The workshop was built in Canva Pro, chosen because of its fun presentation features.
I tested the workshop on my spouse, who provided feedback on timing, clarity of instructions, and overall engagement. This dry run helped me refine the content and ensure it fit within the 2-hour timeframe.
The workshop was adapted last minute due to a reduced time slot. I quickly decided to cut one exercise and skip the Q&A session, opting to continue discussions informally during a break.
Nevertheless, it was successfully held at the KUA in Copenhagen, with a packed room of participants who were actively engaged throughout the session.
The workshop was well-received, with participants actively engaging in exercises and providing positive feedback. The playful elements, such as the yellow duck challenge, added to the overall enjoyment.
A last-minute change to the workshop duration required quick adaptation, leading to the omission of an exercise and the Q&A session. While the workshop remained effective, this change highlighted the need for flexibility.
Time Management
In future workshops, I will confirm the final schedule with organizers well in advance and include an extra time buffer to mitigate the risk of unexpected changes.
Content Flexibility
Preparing optional content that can be easily added or removed depending on the actual time available, sounds like a good idea.
Kathrin | UX/UI Workshop Attendee
DISCLAIMER: All content ON THIS WEBSITE is the copyright of its respective owners; I do not represent any of my employer(s); The WORKSTYLE, AND opinions shared BY ME on this WEBsite do not reflect those OF my employer(s).
Copyright © 2024 Lilianna Borowa