Empowering gamers to build the perfect loadout
Empowering gamers to build the perfect loadout
Empowering gamers to build the perfect loadout
PROJECT TOOLKIT:
Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Google Sheets, Google Slides
PROJECT TOOLKIT:
Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Google Sheets, Google Slides
THE DIGITAL FORGE: A NEW ERA FOR HEROES
THE DIGITAL FORGE: A NEW ERA FOR HEROES
In the competitive world of gaming, every player is a hero on their own journey. But a hero is only as powerful as their tools. The problem was clear: gamers were entering the battlefield with an incomplete arsenal, hindered by a market filled with generic gear and a painful, convoluted process for acquiring custom equipment. They needed a more efficient way to get the gear they needed to gain a competitive edge.
My mission was to become a digital armorer, tasked with building a tool to empower these players. I set out to create the HERCULEAN FORGE App, a platform that would transform a tedious task into a powerful and engaging experience.
In the competitive world of gaming, every player is a hero on their own journey. But a hero is only as powerful as their tools. The problem was clear: gamers were entering the battlefield with an incomplete arsenal, hindered by a market filled with generic gear and a painful, convoluted process for acquiring custom equipment. They needed a more efficient way to get the gear they needed to gain a competitive edge.
My mission was to become a digital armorer, tasked with building a tool to empower these players. I set out to create the HERCULEAN FORGE App, a platform that would transform a tedious task into a powerful and engaging experience.
THE ULTIMATE ARSENAL
THE ULTIMATE ARSENAL
The final prototypes demonstrate a streamlined user experience from start to finish. Two distinct paths were forged to accommodate different hero needs.
The final prototypes demonstrate a streamlined user experience from start to finish. Two distinct paths were forged to accommodate different hero needs.
THE GATES TO THE FORGE
Before a hero even enters the forge, they are greeted by a short but powerful intro animation. This brief moment is designed to set the tone, bringing the digital forge to life and preparing the hero for their journey to greatness.
THE GATES TO THE FORGE
Before a hero even enters the forge, they are greeted by a short but powerful intro animation. This brief moment is designed to set the tone, bringing the digital forge to life and preparing the hero for their journey to greatness.
THE MASTER ARMORER'S CREATION
This prototype showcases the full journey for a hero who wants to create their own custom equipment. It highlights the engaging customization interface and guides the user through the process of forging a unique piece of gear that fits their specific play style.
THE MASTER ARMORER'S CREATION
This prototype showcases the full journey for a hero who wants to create their own custom equipment. It highlights the engaging customization interface and guides the user through the process of forging a unique piece of gear that fits their specific play style.
THE PRE-FORGED ARSENAL
This prototype shows the complete checkout process for a user who chooses from a curated selection of pre-built gear. It focuses on a frictionless journey, allowing a hero to acquire a powerful, ready-for-battle item with minimal effort.
THE PRE-FORGED ARSENAL
This prototype shows the complete checkout process for a user who chooses from a curated selection of pre-built gear. It focuses on a frictionless journey, allowing a hero to acquire a powerful, ready-for-battle item with minimal effort.
THE CONCEPT BEHIND THE NAME
THE CONCEPT BEHIND THE NAME
Every gamer’s journey is one of growth. The name Herculean Forge tells the story of this transformation. With every piece of custom gear a gamer builds, they are not just crafting equipment, they are forging their own strength. The Forge is the crucible where the gamer masters their craft, and the Herculean part is the power they gain from the process. The app becomes a tool for personal growth, a way to become a stronger, more formidable player by crafting the tools that reflect their increasing skill.
Every gamer’s journey is one of growth. The name Herculean Forge tells the story of this transformation. With every piece of custom gear a gamer builds, they are not just crafting equipment, they are forging their own strength. The Forge is the crucible where the gamer masters their craft, and the Herculean part is the power they gain from the process. The app becomes a tool for personal growth, a way to become a stronger, more formidable player by crafting the tools that reflect their increasing skill.
THE HERO'S ARSENAL
THE HERO'S ARSENAL
Herculean Forge is a mobile app that serves as a digital forge, empowering every gamer to become a master blacksmith and build their perfect loadout. It's the digital workshop where a hero can shape their own legend, forging not just equipment, but a path to victory. My approach was guided by the Design Thinking methodology: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. These stages were critical to uncovering true user needs and creating an impactful solution.
Herculean Forge is a mobile app that serves as a digital forge, empowering every gamer to become a master blacksmith and build their perfect loadout. It's the digital workshop where a hero can shape their own legend, forging not just equipment, but a path to victory. My approach was guided by the Design Thinking methodology: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. These stages were critical to uncovering true user needs and creating an impactful solution.
UNDERSTANDING THE BATTLEFIELD:
The Empathize Stage
UNDERSTANDING THE BATTLEFIELD:
The Empathize Stage
My journey began with foundational research, including interviews and secondary research. I delved into the frustrations of the gaming community, discovering that a significant portion of gamers were abandoning their carts due to complex checkout processes and felt limited by the lack of true customization options.
To make these pain points more tangible, I created several artifacts to understand the hero's struggle:
To make these pain points more tangible, I created several artifacts to understand the hero's struggle:
My journey began with foundational research, including interviews and secondary research. I delved into the frustrations of the gaming community, discovering that a significant portion of gamers were abandoning their carts due to complex checkout processes and felt limited by the lack of true customization options.
To make these pain points more tangible, I created several artifacts to understand the hero's struggle:
To make these pain points more tangible, I created several artifacts to understand the hero's struggle:
The Obstacles of the Quest
These are the challenges that stood in the way of a seamless experience and a true connection to their gear.
The Obstacles of the Quest
These are the challenges that stood in the way of a seamless experience and a true connection to their gear.
3
LIMITED
OPTIONS
Limited options prevent users from creating gear that truly fits their style.
LIMITED
OPTIONS
Limited options prevent users from creating gear that truly fits their style.
4
POOR
GUIDANCE
Gamers need reviews and chat support to make informed purchasing decisions.
POOR
GUIDANCE
Gamers need reviews and chat support to make informed purchasing decisions.
1
TEDIOUS
CUSTOMIZATION
The process of personalizing gaming gear is often challenging and not enjoyable for users.
TEDIOUS
CUSTOMIZATION
The process of personalizing gaming gear is often challenging and not enjoyable for users.
TEDIOUS
CUSTOMIZATION
The process of personalizing gaming gear is often challenging and not enjoyable for users.
2
COMPLICATED
CHECKOUT
The checkout experience is inefficient, causing frustration and cart abandonment.
COMPLICATED
CHECKOUT
The checkout experience is inefficient, causing frustration and cart abandonment.
COMPLICATED
CHECKOUT
The checkout experience is inefficient, causing frustration and cart abandonment.
3
LIMITED
OPTIONS
Limited options prevent users from creating gear that truly fits their style.
4
POOR
GUIDANCE
Gamers need reviews and chat support to make informed purchasing decisions.
The Champions
Personas created to represent the typical gamers who will use this app. By understanding their detailed profiles, the design process can remain focused on building a solution that truly empowers them.
The Champions
Personas created to represent the typical gamers who will use this app. By understanding their detailed profiles, the design process can remain focused on building a solution that truly empowers them.
The Quest Map
The user journey map, charting the emotional landscape and key milestones of the user's quest.
The Quest Map
The user journey map, charting the emotional landscape and key milestones of the user's quest.
The Quest Call
To truly understand the user's journey, I summarized their core desire and motivation in a user story.
The Quest Call
To truly understand the user's journey, I summarized their core desire and motivation in a user story.
USER STORY
As a competitive gamer, I need custom-built gear to maximize my performance and dominate the battlefield.
THE CALL TO ARMS:
The Define Stage
THE CALL TO ARMS:
The Define Stage
With a comprehensive understanding of the user's needs, it was time to define the challenge and establish a clear path forward.
With a comprehensive understanding of the user's needs, it was time to define the challenge and establish a clear path forward.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Gamers are hindered by the lack of robust customization options and a convoluted purchasing process, making it difficult to acquire gear that fits their individual play style.
HYPOTHESIS STATEMENT
An intuitive and highly customizable app will turn the frustrating process of acquiring gear into a fun, empowering part of the hero's journey.
THE BLUEPRINT TO THE FORGE
The Ideation Stage
THE BLUEPRINT TO THE FORGE
The Ideation Stage
With a clear vision of the problem, I moved into the Ideate stage. My goal was to create a comprehensive blueprint for a better experience, ensuring my designs were based on real user problems and not my own assumptions.
With a clear vision of the problem, I moved into the Ideate stage. My goal was to create a comprehensive blueprint for a better experience, ensuring my designs were based on real user problems and not my own assumptions.
The Chronicles of the Quest
The storyboards which visually narrate the user's entire journey from struggle to triumph.
The Chronicles of the Quest
The storyboards which visually narrate the user's entire journey from struggle to triumph.
The Big Picture
Scenario: Jun-ho needs a new gaming equipment customized for his play style.
The Big Picture
Scenario: Jun-ho needs a new gaming equipment customized for his play style.
Close-up
Jun-ho discovers the app, navigates the customization menu to purchase his new equipment.
Close-up
Jun-ho discovers the app, navigates the customization menu to purchase his new equipment.
The Quest Blueprint
A visual representation of the path a user takes to complete a task, from the home screen to the final purchase.
The Quest Blueprint
A visual representation of the path a user takes to complete a task, from the home screen to the final purchase.
The Foundry's Framework
Meticulously crafted initial wireframes that provided a structural framework for the app's functionality and user flow.
The Foundry's Framework
Meticulously crafted initial wireframes that provided a structural framework for the app's functionality and user flow.
BRINGING THE ARSENAL TO LIFE:
The Prototype Stage
BRINGING THE ARSENAL TO LIFE:
The Prototype Stage
With the blueprint complete, it was time to move from theory to creation. My design began as heated metal, and each iteration was the hammer that helped me refine every curve and edge.
With the blueprint complete, it was time to move from theory to creation. My design began as heated metal, and each iteration was the hammer that helped me refine every curve and edge.
The Low-Fidelity Anvil
This was the first strike of the hammer, where raw ideas took shape on the anvil. Using basic shapes and grayscale screens, I tested the core quest before any ornate details were added.
The Low-Fidelity Anvil
This was the first strike of the hammer, where raw ideas took shape on the anvil. Using basic shapes and grayscale screens, I tested the core quest before any ornate details were added.
The Pre-Forged Anvil
For heroes seeking a simple solution, this low-fidelity prototype guided them on a frictionless journey. ensuring a speedy path to their new gear.
The Pre-Forged Anvil
For heroes seeking a simple solution, this low-fidelity prototype guided them on a frictionless journey. ensuring a speedy path to their new gear.
The Master Armorer's Anvil
For heroes who wanted to forge their own legend, this prototype tested the customization journey through the final checkout..
The Master Armorer's Anvil
For heroes who wanted to forge their own legend, this prototype tested the customization journey through the final checkout..
The High-Fidelity Masterpiece
With the foundational user experience established, I moved into crafting the final, high-fidelity design. This was the stage where the blueprint was brought to life, transforming wireframes into a fully-realized and visually compelling app.
The High-Fidelity Masterpiece
With the foundational user experience established, I moved into crafting the final, high-fidelity design. This was the stage where the blueprint was brought to life, transforming wireframes into a fully-realized and visually compelling app.
The Armorer's Palette
My goal was to create a design that felt both sophisticated and energetic, capturing the intensity of gaming while making the user feel like a true creator. The final red-themed visual design was chosen for its association with passion, power, and high energy.
The Armorer's Palette
My goal was to create a design that felt both sophisticated and energetic, capturing the intensity of gaming while making the user feel like a true creator. The final red-themed visual design was chosen for its association with passion, power, and high energy.
The Armorer's Handbook
To ensure consistency and efficiency, I also created a sticker sheet. This tool served as a single source of truth for the app's visual elements, from buttons and icons to fonts and color palettes. It ensures that every piece of the interface felt cohesive and intentional.
The Armorer's Handbook
To ensure consistency and efficiency, I also created a sticker sheet. This tool served as a single source of truth for the app's visual elements, from buttons and icons to fonts and color palettes. It ensures that every piece of the interface felt cohesive and intentional.
The Forge's Illumination
To accommodate user preferences and reduce eye strain, I designed both a light and a dark mode. This provided the hero with the power to customize not only their gear, but their interface as well.
The Forge's Illumination
To accommodate user preferences and reduce eye strain, I designed both a light and a dark mode. This provided the hero with the power to customize not only their gear, but their interface as well.
The Oracle's Vision: Alternative Homepage
An alternate homepage was explored for the app. This design was born from a desire for more dynamic interaction. Instead of a static home screen, this version was built as a living map where heroes could swipe between different categories of gear. This feature transformed simple navigation into an engaging and interactive journey, a familiar experience for gamers accustomed to browsing vast arsenals and loot caches. It allowed users to intuitively explore the armory's vast collection with a simple gesture.
The Oracle's Vision: Alternative Homepage
An alternate homepage was explored for the app. This design was born from a desire for more dynamic interaction. Instead of a static home screen, this version was built as a living map where heroes could swipe between different categories of gear. This feature transformed simple navigation into an engaging and interactive journey, a familiar experience for gamers accustomed to browsing vast arsenals and loot caches. It allowed users to intuitively explore the armory's vast collection with a simple gesture.
THE CRUCIBLE OF COMBAT:
Recurring Testing
THE CRUCIBLE OF COMBAT:
Recurring Testing
The Test stage was not a single event, but an ongoing process of refinement and iteration. My prototype was the heated metal, and user feedback was the hammer, helping me refine every curve and edge.
The Test stage was not a single event, but an ongoing process of refinement and iteration. My prototype was the heated metal, and user feedback was the hammer, helping me refine every curve and edge.
On the custom creation page, the heroes' voices were clear: they needed a chat support feature for real-time guidance and customer reviews to validate their choices. These crucial elements were integrated into the design, helping them forge their perfect gear with confidence.
The user testing also showed that a simple intro animation could make the app feel far more compelling. This brief, powerful moment acted as a prelude, striking a chord with the hero and building anticipation for the journey ahead. It instantly transformed the application from a static tool into a dynamic and immersive experience.
The user testing also showed that a simple intro animation could make the app feel far more compelling. This brief, powerful moment acted as a prelude, striking a chord with the hero and building anticipation for the journey ahead. It instantly transformed the application from a static tool into a dynamic and immersive experience.
Just as a master armorer trims away excess metal, the user testing also helped us refine the app's form. We discovered a page reader button was simply unnecessary, allowing us to make the final creation leaner and more powerful.
Just as a master armorer trims away excess metal, the user testing also helped us refine the app's form. We discovered a page reader button was simply unnecessary, allowing us to make the final creation leaner and more powerful.
FORTIFYING THE FORTRESS:
Accessibility Considerations
FORTIFYING THE FORTRESS:
Accessibility Considerations
While forging a powerful experience was paramount, it was equally important to build a fortress that was accessible to all heroes. I conducted a thorough audit to ensure the app’s design met WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. This included verifying color contrast for legibility, ensuring touch targets were large enough for easy interaction, and structuring the content to be compatible with screen readers. This ensured the app’s usability was not limited by visual or motor impairments.
While forging a powerful experience was paramount, it was equally important to build a fortress that was accessible to all heroes. I conducted a thorough audit to ensure the app’s design met WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. This included verifying color contrast for legibility, ensuring touch targets were large enough for easy interaction, and structuring the content to be compatible with screen readers. This ensured the app’s usability was not limited by visual or motor impairments.
THE FINISHED CREATION:
A Powerful Solution
THE FINISHED CREATION:
A Powerful Solution
The result of this iterative process was the final Herculean Forge App—a comprehensive solution and the ultimate arsenal for any gamer. The high-fidelity prototype, with its sleek visual design, incorporated the streamlined checkout process and powerful customization feature, along with new features inspired directly by user feedback, such as the in-app chat support and customer reviews.
The final usability studies confirmed the app’s success. Participants consistently praised the app’s intuitive user flow and engaging experience. My design didn't just solve a problem; it transformed a cumbersome task into a "fun activity, like playing a game."
The result of this iterative process was the final Herculean Forge App—a comprehensive solution and the ultimate arsenal for any gamer. The high-fidelity prototype, with its sleek visual design, incorporated the streamlined checkout process and powerful customization feature, along with new features inspired directly by user feedback, such as the in-app chat support and customer reviews.
The final usability studies confirmed the app’s success. Participants consistently praised the app’s intuitive user flow and engaging experience. My design didn't just solve a problem; it transformed a cumbersome task into a "fun activity, like playing a game."
NOTABLE COMMENT
"Very in depth work. Lots of thought went into this project".
© 2025. All Rights Reserved.
All work for hire projects belong to their respective companies.
© 2025. All Rights Reserved.
All work for hire projects belong to their respective companies.
© 2025. All Rights Reserved.
All work for hire projects belong to their respective companies.