A Social Networking App for Gamers
Overview
PixelPals is an innovative social networking app designed to connect video game enthusiasts based on their common interests, gaming habits, and preferred platforms. Unlike traditional dating apps like Tinder, PixelPals focuses on fostering friendships and collaborative gaming experiences, allowing users to discover, connect, and play with like-minded gamers around the world.
Client
Certificate Project for Google UX Design Professional Certificate
Sector
My Role
Project Time
Tools Used
Social Media, Social Networking, Gaming, Communication
Entire product design from research to conception, visualization, and testing
Two Months
Figma, Adobe Illustrator, & Asana
​Objective
The primary objective of PixelPals is to create a user-friendly and engaging platform that simplifies the process of finding gaming friends with similar interests, thereby enhancing the online gaming experience for users across various platforms and genres.
Research
User Research
We conducted surveys and interviews with potential users, which included casual and hardcore gamers. Our research identified key insights:
01
Users find it challenging to find gaming partners who have similar interests and skill levels.
02
There is a demand for a community-focused platform that emphasizes friendship and collaboration over competition.
03
Privacy and safety are major concerns for users when interacting with strangers online.
User Personas
Creating user personas helps in understanding the diverse needs, experiences, and goals of PixelPals' potential user base. Below are two detailed personas that represent the app's target users, guiding the design and feature development to ensure the platform is inclusive and meets the varied requirements of its community.
Market Analysis
Our analysis of existing platforms revealed a gap in the market for a service that specifically caters to gamers looking to build friendships. While there are forums and community pages, there isn't a dedicated app that uses matching algorithms to connect gamers.
Design Process
01. Ideation
Based on our research, we brainstormed features that would address user needs, including:
01
Profile customization to showcase gaming preferences, platforms, and skill levels.
02
A matching algorithm to connect users with similar gaming interests.
03
Chat functionality to enable real-time communication.
04
Community features, such as groups and forums, to foster a sense of belonging.
02. Wireframes
We created low-fidelity wireframes to outline the app's basic structure, focusing on simplicity and ease of navigation. The wireframes included key screens such as the sign-up page, user profile, match screen, and chat interface.
03. Prototyping
Using the wireframes as a guide, we developed a high-fidelity prototype that included visual elements such as color scheme, typography, and button styles. We aimed for a dark theme to appeal to our target audience, with vibrant accents to highlight key features
04. Usability Testing
​We conducted usability testing with a small group of potential users. Participants were asked to complete tasks such as creating a profile, finding a match, and initiating a chat. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with suggestions for improving match accuracy and chat functionality.
Features
01
Profile Customization: Users can create detailed profiles, including their favorite games, platforms, playing schedules, and skill level.
02
Matching Algorithm: An advanced algorithm matches users based on shared interests, ensuring meaningful connections.
03
Real-time Chat: A secure chat system allows users to communicate, plan gaming sessions, and share tips.
04
Community Groups: Users can join or create groups based on specific games, interests, or events, fostering a sense of community.
05
Safety and Privacy: Robust privacy settings and reporting tools ensure a safe environment for all users.
UI Design
The UI design emphasizes simplicity and accessibility. Key design choices include:
​
-
Dark Theme: Reduces eye strain during late-night gaming sessions and creates an immersive experience.
-
Vibrant Accents: Bright colors are used to highlight interactive elements and notifications.
-
Intuitive Navigation: A bottom navigation bar provides easy access to the app's core features.
-
Custom Icons: Game-themed icons enhance the visual appeal and user experience.
