A game that tries to make people more aware of city planning
In the context of the IMT&S project, my journey involved a comprehensive focus on user testing, level design, and UI/UX design to contribute effectively to the team's goals. The overarching objective was to refine game elements, create captivating environments, and enhance digital interfaces. Determined to elevate user testing skills, the initial focus was on studying and researching best practices for setting up, conducting, documenting, and applying feedback from user tests. Actively participating in user tests during the IMT&S project provided hands-on experience and exposure to real-world testing scenarios. Learning from fellow team members, especially those experienced in user testing, played a crucial role in refining testing proficiency. The commitment to conduct a minimum of three user tests allowed for iterative improvements in the setup, execution, documentation, and review processes. A structured approach was developed to apply feedback consistently, ensuring continuous improvements in the game design. The ultimate goal is to showcase significant improvement in user testing proficiency, contributing to the success of the IMT&S project and acquiring valuable skills applicable to other aspects of game development. Embarking on a journey to enhance level design skills, the approach involved dedicated practice, studying design principles, active engagement with teammates, prototype creation, and client-centric design. Substantial time was invested in level design practice, focusing on refining skills and experimenting with new techniques. Exploration of various resources, including online courses and articles, deepened the understanding of level design principles and industry best practices. Collaborative engagement with fellow team members facilitated the exchange of ideas, feedback, and learning from their experiences in level design. The creation of at least three prototypes, each featuring different iterations and client-centric design for smart cities, aimed to showcase proficiency in level design. Utilizing prototyping and iteration, whiteboard sessions, learning from other designers, and client feedback were integral research methods. The iterative process allowed for gathering feedback from testers, engaging in collaborative whiteboard sessions to refine level layouts, seeking insights from experienced level designers, and aligning level design with the client's vision for smart cities. Documenting the design process, incorporating feedback, and applying lessons learned from each prototype iteration were crucial for personal growth. Committed to evolving into a proficient UI/UX designer, the focus was on continuous learning, obtaining feedback from experienced designers, conducting user tests, showcasing interactive wireframes, and creating a UX flow. The dedicated learning period aimed to master the basics of UI/UX design. Seeking feedback from experienced designers, particularly collaborating with Stanislav, enriched the understanding of UX principles. Conducting user tests to validate the effectiveness of wireframes and showcasing at least two interactive wireframes as the foundation of the UI were key goals. Creating a UX flow contributed to the team's deliverables, making the development of user flows more efficient for engineers. Research methods encompassed literature reviews, hands-on experience, and peer learning. Regularly seeking insights and critiques from experienced designers, conducting usability tests, and collaborating closely with Stanislav facilitated practical knowledge and insights into UI/UX design. Documenting the learning journey and progress, along with regularly updating the portfolio, showcased acquired skills and anticipated significant growth in UI/UX design within the specified timeframe. In summary, this comprehensive approach, blending practical experience with theoretical knowledge, aimed to contribute meaningfully to the success of the IMT&S project and enhance proficiency in user testing, level design, and UI/UX design.
Integrating into the Team and Personal Growth Joining the team in the later stages of the project, specifically in week 5, presented both challenges and opportunities for integration. The outcomes were within the expected range, reflecting a mixed experience that mirrored my overall perception of the project. I observed positive dynamics in terms of collaboration, design discussions, and feedback exchange. It was evident that team members enjoyed my creative input, problem-solving skills, and my ability to bring out the best in others during these interactions. However, a parallel sentiment emerged, indicating a misalignment in my working style with the team's preferences. There was a discernible mismatch in how I approached tasks, leading to a sense of being at odds with the team's workflow. This mismatch resulted in a feeling of having little to contribute, prompting the team to adjust their pace to accommodate my work speed. This was a realization that left me contemplating the dynamics of collaboration and the importance of alignment in work methodologies within a team. Recognizing my strengths, including creativity, problem-solving, and presentation skills, offered valuable insights into my positive contributions. Simultaneously, acknowledging weaknesses, such as a need for strictness, a dependency on motivation, and susceptibility to being triggered by others, highlighted areas for personal development. The conclusion drawn from this project experience revolves around the realization that my future work environment should ideally be characterized by orderliness and strict adherence to guidelines. The internship reinforced the significance of a balanced work atmosphere where camaraderie is complemented by clear rules and consequences. It became evident that a structured environment is crucial for cultivating a sense of responsibility, as I found myself less motivated in the absence of such frameworks. In essence, this project served as a learning ground not only for refining technical skills but also for understanding the importance of aligning personal work preferences with the team's expectations. Moving forward, I am committed to leveraging this insight to seek environments that resonate with my need for structure and rules, fostering a more harmonious and productive collaboration.
