Helena Masterson - ProCon3

helenamasterson-nmp:

I have completed my boards for my NMP that showcase my designs and concept. I have shown the design for each page of the App, as well as a storyboard for the motion piece. The brief and synopsis for my project are below.

Brief

Design an App aimed at the gaming community that will reduce the cost of gaming for users. Consider the age groups and what methods could be used to bring down the cost of gaming. 

• the App should reduce the cost of gaming for its users
• the App should allow gamers to interact with other gamers
• the App should be aimed at ages 12 - 30 years old

A demo should be created for the App to show navigation and functionality.

Synopsis

The brief was to design an App that would reduce the cost of gaming for its users. 

I came up with the idea for GamePix which is a mobile App that allows users to join and create their own profiles for swapping games. I have researched around for any other similar Apps and I haven’t been able to find anything that is like my concept. 

The idea came to me as my son buys a lot of games for his consoles and sometimes spends up to £50 on one game. I feel the value of the game does not equal the playing experience in most cases, as he often gets bored with a game within a few weeks. I think the concept of an App that will reduce gaming will give users better value for money, especially younger children who feel they have to have games that their friends have.

GamePix is an App that works as a social network for gamers with the main focus on game swapping. Users are able to interact with friends as well as upload games to their profiles using the phones camera as a scanner. As I wanted money to have as little involvement as possible, I came up with a way to value the games when scanned using a ‘currency’ described as pixels. This gives users a guide to what the game is worth when they are looking to swap their own game with another.

In regards to the age groups, I have thought about how I can help safeguard younger users and have put forward that under 16 year olds have to use a parents email address to join. This way when a swap is confirmed by email (as shown on my boards), the parent can oversee what games are being exchanged.

In regards to the design I had to produce something that would appeal to the age group stated in the brief, and that looked like it was current and up to date. I had to make sure I didn’t make the App look too childlike but still make it look appealing to younger gamers

I did this by researching colours and design styles in gaming and came up with something that I think is simple, clean, current and isn’t over complicated. 

The demo shows the main functions of the App and how it is navigated. I have tried not to make the demo too long and so have kept the timing upbeat and information short and to the point.

In reflection of the work I have produced, I am happy with the design of the actual App itself. However, I would allow myself a longer period of time to produce the motion piece. Although I am mostly happy with the outcome of it, I feel if I had allocated more time to this part of the brief, I could of animated more sections of it to make it more visually interesting. Overall though, I think my designs and the demo do show what the App has to offer.

delfonk:

exit signs by Yuki Matsueda

3D exit signs. This is a good example of pushing a design further as this sign is still recognisable as an exit sign due to the colours and style - only it has been taken that step further by being made into 3D. Pretty cool..

(via fixatedinsanity)

brain-food:

iCade puts the iPad to good use with the release of its mini arcade system. This system allows you to slide your iPad into a retro arcade cabinet dock and play a large number of classic arcade games.

The connection from the dock to the iPad is provided via Bluetooth, and the games are much more fun to play arcade style, versus the frustrating touch screen. Many classic games are available on the iCade from Donkey Kong to Atari classics like Asteroids. The iCade retails for $100, and can be picked up from Think Geek.

This is amazing! Such a clever idea - takes the iPad back to the retro days!