Le Village Enquête Universe
User Research, Brand Visual Development, Logo Creation, Style Tiles/Moodboard, Brand Attributes, Concept & Usability Testing, Low - High Fidelity Wireframes/Prototype
Le Village Enquête
Le Village Enquête offers an immersive escape gaming/multi-lore experience with various events under its umbrella. Developed by a collaboration of three game developers, Ludogamie, Argyx Games, and Le Lion Vert, these event experiences are sporadically scheduled and hosted by different organizations, promising mystery and intrigue.
Project Duration: 2 weeks
Overview
Armed with the information we were able to glean on the escape game genre, the UX/UI team approached the stakeholder meeting ready to learn more about what sets Le Village Enquête apart from the rest. Although the concept was very minimal, we were able to look at the project as a blank canvas (glass half full). The main takeaway was for there to be two pathways for the site, one for organizations looking for information on how to host their own LVE experience and another for players looking for interactive LVE experiences to partake in. In this case study you’ll learn how we solved the problems that users brought to our attention while providing solutions for our stakeholders.
My Role
As part of a dedicated duo team of UX/UI designers, my role was pivotal in conceptualizing and executing the design of a mobile-responsive website for Le Village Enquête. Tasked with understanding the nuanced demands of escape game enthusiasts and addressing their challenges in accessing relevant event information, my teammate and I embarked on a journey to craft a solution that would elevate user experience and engagement.
Design Process
Research
Delving into the history and impact of escape games, we identified the core factors contributing to their allure and success. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including user interviews and surveys, we discerned the primary pain points faced by enthusiasts in accessing event information.
Define
Synthesizing our research findings, we formulated precise problem statements encapsulated in our "How Might We" statements. These statements guided our efforts in connecting potential players to suitable games, presenting factual information enticingly, and effectively conveying the unique scheduling of Le Village Enquête events.
Ideate
Despite challenges such as time constraints and a lean team structure, we fostered a collaborative environment conducive to creative brainstorming sessions. Drawing insights from a competitive analysis, we explored innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of our target audience.
Prototype
Armed with data-driven insights, we translated our ideas into tangible wireframes and prototypes. Iterating upon these designs, we prioritized intuitive navigation and seamless accessibility, ensuring a user-friendly interface that resonated with our users.
Test
While unable to conduct desirability testing during the initial phase, we remained committed to refining our design based on user feedback. Our iterative approach aimed to continuously enhance the website's usability and effectiveness in meeting the needs of escape game enthusiasts through multiple rounds of concept and usability tests.
User Research
Through user interviews and surveys, we identified major painpoints faced by escape game enthusiasts and our user persona, Marianne, a young mother passionate about escape games but frustrated by the lack of accessible information. Understanding her pain points guided our design decisions, leading to the creation of a user persona, user journey, and user flow that prioritize ease of access to event information.
“Escape game enthusiasts need to find a way to become adequately informed about events they would want to participate in because they face challenges in accessing practical information and a sense of the game.”
How Might We:
How might we connect potential players to the perfect game they’d want to play?
How might we present factual information in a way that is enticing?
How might we effectively convey the uncommon ways of how Le Village Enquête is presented and scheduled?
Meet Marianne
Wireframes & Prototypes
Our approach was to produce our prototypes quickly and to test fast. That way we could learn early where we need to make changes and improvements on a continual basis through early rounds of concept testing with multiple users. Once we were comfortable enough with where our low fidelity wireframes, we progressed to mid-fi wireframes where we invited more users to conduct usability tests.
The wireframes seamlessly evolved into a high-fidelity prototype, offering a tangible representation of the user experience. The prototype not only showcased the visual design but also simulated user interactions, allowing us to test the flow of the website. Usability testing played a crucial role in refining the prototype based on user feedback, ensuring a user-friendly and efficient final design.
Lessons in Retrospect
Navigating the challenges of time constraints and limited resources, we learned the importance of prioritizing features and iterating based on user feedback. Despite the initial hurdles, the collaborative effort and dedication to understanding user needs were instrumental in creating a successful design solution.
What's Next?
Moving forward, we aim to conduct desirability testing to refine the website further. Additionally, we plan to explore gamification opportunities, both within the website and the mailing list sign-up process, to enhance user engagement and retention.
Credits
Many, many thanks to my teammate Hassan, the stakeholders, and participants who contributed to the success of this project.