Fishy Cat
Fishy Cat
You play as a charming feline protagonist in a beautiful, calming environment to catch a variety of fish, earn coins, and meet new cat friends along the way!
You play as a charming feline protagonist in a beautiful, calming environment to catch a variety of fish, earn coins, and meet new cat friends along the way!
PROJECT SCOPE
Self-directed project completed as part of a Game Design Course.
ROLE
UX/UI Designer
Art Director and Designer
PROJECT SCOPE
Self-directed project completed as part of a Game Design Course.
ROLE
UX/UI Designer
Art Director and Designer
PROJECT SCOPE
Self-directed project completed as part of a Game Design Course.
ROLE
UX/UI Designer
Art Director and Designer
DURATION
1 Month
TOOLS
Figma
Unity
C#
Adobe Photoshop
Procreate
DURATION
1 Month
TOOLS
Figma
Unity
C#
Adobe Photoshop
Procreate
DURATION
1 Month
TOOLS
Figma
Unity
C#
Adobe Photoshop
Procreate
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Fishy Cat is a Unity-based game designed to provide a tranquil and visually pleasing experience. In this captivating game, players take on the role of a feline fisherman, catching fish to earn coins and unlock charming cat characters. Each successfully Caught fish leads to the accumulation of coins, enabling players to collect an extensive array of charming feline characters within the game. With soothing visuals, delightful animations, and immersive soundscapes, Fishy Cat offers a relaxing escape where players can unwind and enjoy skillful fishing.
RESPONSIBILITIES
User Research, Content Design, Concept testing, Design Systems, Wireframing & Prototyping
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Fishy Cat is a Unity-based game designed to provide a tranquil and visually pleasing experience. In this captivating game, players take on the role of a feline fisherman, catching fish to earn coins and unlock charming cat characters. Each successfully Caught fish leads to the accumulation of coins, enabling players to collect an extensive array of charming feline characters within the game. With soothing visuals, delightful animations, and immersive soundscapes, Fishy Cat offers a relaxing escape where players can unwind and enjoy skillful fishing.
RESPONSIBILITIES
User Research, Content Design, Concept testing, Design Systems, Wireframing & Prototyping
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Fishy Cat is a Unity-based game meticulously crafted to deliver a visually pleasing and tranquil gaming experience. In this captivating game, players assume the role of a feline fisherman whose primary objective is to skillfully catch a diverse array of fish. The gameplay offers a serene escape, allowing players to unwind and find peace in the soothing ambiance while practicing their fishing skills. Each successfully Caught fish leads to the accumulation of coins, enabling players to collect an extensive array of charming feline characters within the game. With its serene backdrop, delightful animations, and immersive soundscapes, Fishy Cat promises a soothing and rewarding journey into the world where relaxation meets cats and skillful fishing.
RESPONSIBILITIES
User Research, Content Design, Concept testing, Design Systems, Wireframing & Prototyping
How might we create a serene and immersive gaming experience that helps players escape the stressors of real life, providing them with a calming and enjoyable environment to relax and unwind?
How might we create a serene and immersive gaming experience that helps players escape the stressors of real life, providing them with a calming and enjoyable environment to relax and unwind?
Design Challenge
Design Challenge
How might we create a serene and immersive gaming experience that helps players escape the stressors of real life, providing them with a calming and enjoyable environment to relax and unwind?
Design Challenge
The Solution
The Solution
The Solution
A Unity based game that engages players in a fun minimal game.
A Unity based game that engages players in a fun minimal game.
A Unity based game that engages players in a fun minimal game.
Fishy Cat is a Unity based game designed for players of all ages, offering a serene and immersive gaming experience that help players escape the stressors of everyday life. The game employs gentle animations, a soothing color palette, and relaxing background music to create a tranquil atmosphere. Simple, intuitive gameplay mechanics ensure a stress-free experience, allowing players to engage at their own pace.
Fishy Cat is a Unity based game designed for players of all ages, offering a serene and immersive gaming experience that help players escape the stressors of everyday life. The game employs gentle animations, a soothing color palette, and relaxing background music to create a tranquil atmosphere. Simple, intuitive gameplay mechanics ensure a stress-free experience, allowing players to engage at their own pace.
Fishy Cat is a Unity based game designed for players of all ages, offering a serene and immersive gaming experience that help players escape the stressors of everyday life. The game employs gentle animations, a soothing color palette, and relaxing background music to create a tranquil atmosphere. Simple, intuitive gameplay mechanics ensure a stress-free experience, allowing players to engage at their own pace.
The Design Process
The Design Process
The Design Process
This case study addresses a highly complex way to make gaming have a serene and relaxing impact. I made design decisions based on direct user feedback, estimated gaming replayability, and considerations for design scalability. I iterated fast with rapid feedback.
This case study addresses a highly complex way to make gaming have a serene and relaxing impact. I made design decisions based on direct user feedback, estimated gaming replayability, and considerations for design scalability. I iterated fast with rapid feedback.
This case study addresses a highly complex way to make gaming have a serene and relaxing impact. I made design decisions based on direct user feedback, estimated gaming replayability, and considerations for design scalability. I iterated fast with rapid feedback.
Gameplay
Present
Test and Iterate
User Test
Playbacks
Design
Ideate
Flow Chart
Concept Checks
Wireframe
Prototype
Games User Research
Surveys
User Interviews
Emapthy Maps
Define User Needs
Brainstorm
Discussion
Role Distribution
Schedule
Organization
Organization
Organization
Organization
Getting the team organized
Getting the team organized
Getting the team organized
Being a team lead means taking responsibility for a variety of aspects that includes:
Being a team lead means taking responsibility for a variety of aspects that includes:
Being a team lead means taking responsibility for a variety of aspects that includes:
Collaboration and Communication
Collaboration and Communication
Collaboration and Communication
Clearly communicate objectives and align the team with the overall vision.
Ensure smooth teamwork by promoting open communication.
Clearly communicate objectives and align the team with the overall vision.
Ensure smooth teamwork by promoting open communication.
Clearly communicate objectives and align the team with the overall vision.
Ensure smooth teamwork by promoting open communication.
Leadership and Support
Leadership and Support
Leadership and Support
Encourage team members to perform their best, fostering a positive and productive environment.
Understand team members' challenges and help them overcome obstacles.
Encourage team members to perform their best, fostering a positive and productive environment.
Understand team members' challenges and help them overcome obstacles.
Encourage team members to perform their best, fostering a positive and productive environment.
Understand team members' challenges and help them overcome obstacles.
Organization and Planning
Organization and Planning
Organization and Planning
Assign responsibilities based on team members' strengths and workloads.
Documenting our ideas, research, and thoughts throughout the entire process.
Assign responsibilities based on team members' strengths and workloads.
Documenting our ideas, research, and thoughts throughout the entire process.
Assign responsibilities based on team members' strengths and workloads.
Documenting our ideas, research, and thoughts throughout the entire process.
Games User Research
Games User Research
Games User Research
As a group, we recognized the prevalence of complex games in today's market and the potential stressors they provide to constantly “win” the game. We asked ourselves, how can we create a game that is both serene and immersive for the player? What can we do to have them choose this game as a form of escapism? What elements contribute to the allure of a game for players?
As a group, we recognized the prevalence of complex games in today's market and the potential stressors they provide to constantly “win” the game. We asked ourselves, how can we create a game that is both serene and immersive for the player? What can we do to have them choose this game as a form of escapism? What elements contribute to the allure of a game for players?
As a group, we recognized the prevalence of complex games in today's market and the potential stressors they provide to constantly “win” the game. We asked ourselves, how can we create a game that is both serene and immersive for the player? What can we do to have them choose this game as a form of escapism? What elements contribute to the allure of a game for players?
User Interview
User Interview
User Interview
Participants were asked a list of preliminary questions regarding the game mechanics, mainly to understand their preferences, motivations, and challenges, ensuring our game design resonates with both casual and dedicated players.
Participants were asked a list of preliminary questions regarding the game mechanics, mainly to understand their preferences, motivations, and challenges, ensuring our game design resonates with both casual and dedicated players.
Participants were asked a list of preliminary questions regarding the game mechanics, mainly to understand their preferences, motivations, and challenges, ensuring our game design resonates with both casual and dedicated players.
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
Participants were given no verbal instructions were given so that they participants could use the game resources to understand what to do while thinking aloud throughout their experience.
Participants were given no verbal instructions were given so that they participants could use the game resources to understand what to do while thinking aloud throughout their experience.
Participants were given no verbal instructions were given so that they participants could use the game resources to understand what to do while thinking aloud throughout their experience.
Key Research Findings
Key Research Findings
Replayability was a recurring note and was important for game value.
Replayability was a recurring note and was important for game value.
Leaderboards, achievements, and rewards can significantly enhance replayability and keep the experience fresh and challenging.
Leaderboards, achievements, and rewards can significantly enhance replayability and keep the experience fresh and challenging.
Leaderboards, achievements, and rewards can significantly enhance replayability and keep the experience fresh and challenging.
Replayability Factors
Replayability Factors
Incorporating elements to enhance replayability
Incorporating elements to enhance replayability
Providing customizable options and settings makes it more inclusive for everyone.
Providing customizable options and settings makes it more inclusive for everyone.
Providing customizable options and settings makes it more inclusive for everyone.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Customizable control options
Customizable control options
Game accessibility makes it more approachable for a diverse audience.
Game accessibility makes it more approachable for a diverse audience.
Reducing the learning curve to make the game more engaging
Reducing the learning curve to make the game more engaging
Game Mechanics
Game Mechanics
Easy to understand and allowing players to quickly engage and enjoy the experience without frustration.
Easy to understand and allowing players to quickly engage and enjoy the experience without frustration.
Easy to understand and allowing players to quickly engage and enjoy the experience without frustration.
Simple game mechanics enhance player enjoyability.
Simple game mechanics enhance player enjoyability.
Journey Map
Journey Map
Journey Map
Ideation
We brainstormed and explored potential features for our game that addressed the key problems. Our goal was to create a serene and immersive game that helps players feel calm and provides an escape from the stressors of real life.
We brainstormed and explored potential features for our game that addressed the key problems. Our goal was to create a serene and immersive game that helps players feel calm and provides an escape from the stressors of real life.
Game Sequence
Game Sequence
This sequence highlights the game's balance of simple
mechanics, tranquil visuals, and rewarding progression,
making Fishy Cat a relaxing yet engaging experience for
players.
This sequence highlights the game's balance of simple mechanics, tranquil visuals, and rewarding progression, making Fishy Cat a relaxing yet engaging experience for players.
Game Loops and Arcs
Game Loops and Arcs
The main gameplay loops and arcs of Fishy Cat,
showcasing how players interact with the game and
progress through its core mechanics. it is structured to
combine intuitive mechanics, satisfying progression, and
relaxing visuals, emphasizing Fishy Cat's focus on
creating a calming yet engaging experience.
The main gameplay loops and arcs of Fishy Cat,
showcasing how players interact with the game and
progress through its core mechanics. it is structured to
combine intuitive mechanics, satisfying progression, and
relaxing visuals, emphasizing Fishy Cat's focus on
creating a calming yet engaging experience.
Design
Design
Character
Character
We designed characters are designed to be cute, as research shows that adorable visuals can evoke positive emotions, reduce stress, and create a sense of comfort
We designed characters are designed to be cute, as research shows that adorable visuals can evoke positive emotions, reduce stress, and create a sense of comfort
Samples of the character designs of new character achievements and walking form in the second location of the game
Samples of the character designs of new character achievements and walking form in the second location of the game
Background
Background
Goal of background images is to evoke a sense of relaxation and coziness.
Goal of background images is to evoke a sense of relaxation and coziness.
Testing & Iterating
Testing & Iterating
Testing & Iterating
The development of Fishy Cat involved rigorous testing and iterative design to ensure a high-quality, enjoyable experience for players. Our process included:
Alpha Testing: Initial testing was conducted internally with team members to identify major bugs and gather preliminary feedback on gameplay mechanics and overall user experience.
Beta Testing: We invited a select group of external players, including casual gamers and cat enthusiasts, to play the game and provide detailed feedback on their experience. This helped us identify minor issues and areas for improvement.
Iteration: Based on the feedback received, we made several rounds of updates to the game's design, mechanics, and user interface. This iterative process ensured that the game remained aligned with our goal of providing a calming and immersive experience.
The development of Fishy Cat involved rigorous testing and iterative design to ensure a high-quality, enjoyable experience for players. Our process included:
Alpha Testing: Initial testing was conducted internally with team members to identify major bugs and gather preliminary feedback on gameplay mechanics and overall user experience.
Beta Testing: We invited a select group of external players, including casual gamers and cat enthusiasts, to play the game and provide detailed feedback on their experience. This helped us identify minor issues and areas for improvement.
Iteration: Based on the feedback received, we made several rounds of updates to the game's design, mechanics, and user interface. This iterative process ensured that the game remained aligned with our goal of providing a calming and immersive experience.
The development of Fishy Cat involved rigorous testing and iterative design to ensure a high-quality, enjoyable experience for players. Our process included:
Alpha Testing: Initial testing was conducted internally with team members to identify major bugs and gather preliminary feedback on gameplay mechanics and overall user experience.
Beta Testing: We invited a select group of external players, including casual gamers and cat enthusiasts, to play the game and provide detailed feedback on their experience. This helped us identify minor issues and areas for improvement.
Iteration: Based on the feedback received, we made several rounds of updates to the game's design, mechanics, and user interface. This iterative process ensured that the game remained aligned with our goal of providing a calming and immersive experience.
Issue #3: Unrestricted boundaries of the fishing hook
The Fishing hook, unrestricted by boundaries, effortlessly ventures beyond the screen borders, posing a challenge in tracking its movements. The lack of confinement hinders precision, creating difficulty for users to monitor and control the hook’s trajectory.
Issue #3: Unrestricted boundaries of the fishing hook
The Fishing hook, unrestricted by boundaries, effortlessly ventures beyond the screen borders, posing a challenge in tracking its movements. The lack of confinement hinders precision, creating difficulty for users to monitor and control the hook’s trajectory.
Issue #3: Unrestricted boundaries of the fishing hook
The Fishing hook, unrestricted by boundaries, effortlessly ventures beyond the screen borders, posing a challenge in tracking its movements. The lack of confinement hinders precision, creating difficulty for users to monitor and control the hook’s trajectory.
Top 10 Issues uncovered during this user test:
Top 10 Issues uncovered during this user test:
Top 10 Issues uncovered during this user test:
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
User-Centered Design is Crucial: Throughout the development of Fishy Cat, focusing on user feedback and preferences helped us create a game that truly resonates with our target audience. Understanding what players find calming and enjoyable allowed us to fine-tune the gameplay to meet their needs.
Iterative Process Enhances Quality: Regular testing and iterative updates were vital in refining the game. Each iteration brought us closer to a polished final product by addressing issues and incorporating user suggestions.
Balancing Challenge and Relaxation: Creating a game that is both calming and engaging required careful balancing of challenge levels. Ensuring the game remains accessible while offering enough variety and rewards keeps players interested without causing stress.
User-Centered Design is Crucial: Throughout the development of Fishy Cat, focusing on user feedback and preferences helped us create a game that truly resonates with our target audience. Understanding what players find calming and enjoyable allowed us to fine-tune the gameplay to meet their needs.
Iterative Process Enhances Quality: Regular testing and iterative updates were vital in refining the game. Each iteration brought us closer to a polished final product by addressing issues and incorporating user suggestions.
Balancing Challenge and Relaxation: Creating a game that is both calming and engaging required careful balancing of challenge levels. Ensuring the game remains accessible while offering enough variety and rewards keeps players interested without causing stress.
User-Centered Design is Crucial: Throughout the development of Fishy Cat, focusing on user feedback and preferences helped us create a game that truly resonates with our target audience. Understanding what players find calming and enjoyable allowed us to fine-tune the gameplay to meet their needs.
Iterative Process Enhances Quality: Regular testing and iterative updates were vital in refining the game. Each iteration brought us closer to a polished final product by addressing issues and incorporating user suggestions.
Balancing Challenge and Relaxation: Creating a game that is both calming and engaging required careful balancing of challenge levels. Ensuring the game remains accessible while offering enough variety and rewards keeps players interested without causing stress.
The Final Design
The Final Design
The Final Design
After several iterations, design critiques, and cross-functional meetings, the design was finalized and was posted on itch.io!
After several iterations, design critiques, and cross-functional meetings, the design was finalized and was posted on itch.io!
After several iterations, design critiques, and cross-functional meetings, the design was finalized and was posted on itch.io!