Designing Confidence for First-Time Arcade Players
Inspired by the disorienting yet exciting atmosphere of arcades, this project explores how I constructed the branding and visual design to reflect the energy of a physical space while offering users structure and clarity.
The goal was to create a fictional app that helps new and returning visitors plan in advance for their arcade visit.
My role: UX/UI Designer: May 2023 - July 2023
Tools: Figma
Low-Fidelity Designs
Arcade Websites as Inspiration
After analyzing competitors, I noticed there are little to no arcade apps. Thus, I heavily relied on arcade websites for branding, structure, and popular apps for user flows.
Quickly Brainstorm
I sketched ideas based on Netflix's engaging appeal with Spotify's content overview then created a prototype to test game instructions.
Research: Instructions May Not Help?
User interviews showed most players learn games through trial or social play.
However, user testing revealed that planning features—like browsing and narrowing down games—help users coordinate with friends and decide what to play.
I felt stuck: if instructions aren't essential, does the app still offer enough value to support first-time users?
High-fidelity designs
Solve Issues & Polish Designs
I went back to address pain points I gathered from testing:
Game instructions alone didn’t justify the need for an app: Looking at competitors and the bigger picture, I saw greater value in features like reservations, discounts, and events—which change frequently.
Too much scrolling, miss vital content: Create a navigation menu & separate content by priority.
Arcade does not appear inviting: Polish the design to reflect an arcade style.
Need help picking games: Create a horizontal filtering toolbar & a full filter page.
Omit game instructions? Based on user testing, instructions serve as a helpful bonus. I chose to keep them as optional support.
Design System
The dark, retro neon theme draws from the arcade’s real-world atmosphere.
Typography, layout, and iconography were crafted to stand out in low-light environments. I aimed to strike a balance between nostalgia and modern usability.
Reflection
Is an arcade app useful enough?
Looking back, it’s clear why arcade apps are rare—high costs and a niche market make them hard to justify. While users prefer learning games through trial or social play, features like pricing, events, and reservations proved useful. This concept is better suited as a mobile-friendly arcade website.
Though the idea evolved, the project became a valuable space to explore art direction and translate physical spaces into digital form. It challenged my assumptions and strengthened my visual storytelling and critical thinking.