Connecting Through Gaming: Product Ecosystem
(UX Design/ Product Design/ Team Project + Sponsored by Alienware/ 2024)
Team Memebers: Tyler Kim & Catherine Jin
Linked
Our Team Suggests...
to revolutionize gaming hardware to strengthen meaningful connections and shape an interconnected world for 10 years.
Research Insights: Socialization
Benefits of Gaming
This highlights the importance of designing gaming hardware that enhances communication, immersion, and social interaction, shaping a more interconnected and engaging gaming environment.
Social Interaction as a Key Motivation
83% of multiplayer gamers felt collaborative while playing, indicating that multiplayer games foster a strong sense of teamwork and connection.
Single and Multiplayer Video Gamers:
Looking at Their Experiences and Psychosocial Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Relationship Benefits
In 2023, video games significantly impacted social relationships, with 88% of gamers expanding their social circles through gaming. Additionally, 82% of players were introduced to new friendships and relationships.
“these emotion-based messages were over 2.6 times more likely to be positive than negative. “
Creating Connection Through Gaming
Games serve as the “glue” for getting people to stick together. Long-term interaction through game-play requires that players share similar characteristics, experiences, and often challenges.
Video Games Are Social Spaces: How Video Games Help People Connect
Daily Life Benefits
Online video games serve as spaces where players, especially those with social anxiety or attachment issues, find social comfort, satisfying needs for belonging and connection.
Challenage : Social Anxiety
Gamers, especially those with social anxiety, feel safer and more comfortable communicating in private spaces, preferring text chat over voice chat, and are more willing to express themselves when playing with friends rather than strangers, highlighting the need for seamless, non-intrusive communication tools in gaming.
"It's great to meet people through gaming, but at the same time, it doesn't always feel safe."
User Type
Target User Group
Our group chose the timid explorer group who feel safer playing with friends rather than strangers and would benefit from features that enhance non-verbal communication, reduce social pressure, and create a more inclusive multiplayer environment.
User Scenario
The product ecosystem seamlessly integrates into Ronna’s daily life, helping her form new connections, communicate effortlessly, and feel safe in gaming environments. It enables spontaneous social interactions through AR displays, enhances connectivity with friends without needing a phone, and provides insights into new acquaintances. The biometric feedback system ensures a safe and comfortable gaming experience by filtering harmful interactions.
Product Details
AW224H: Smart Wristband
- 3 biometric scanners
- 72hr battery life
-Anodized aluminum
- Electromagnetic
- One size fits all
Showing friends status
Sending encouragement
- Gamers struggle to gauge friends’ availability, causing mistimed interruptions.
- Socially anxious users fear rejection, hesitating to reach out.
- Online-offline connection gap.
- Unnoticed accomplishments by friends, leading to a sense of isolation.
- Struggle to express support or celebrate
AW714H: Brainwave Headset
- EEG (Brainwave) scanner
- Mirrored glass display
- Control dial
- Noise cancellation & clarification
Indicating different Status
- Misjudging openness, which can result in misunderstandings or unintended interruptions
- Unwanted interruptions
Showing info as icebreaking topic
- Struggle to find a natural way to initiate conversations
- Hard to continue conversation for wrong topic
AW634H: Alienware Platform
- Honeycomb Structure Relationship
- Friendship Histories
- Quick and Easy Interaction
Meet New Friends In Common
- Find Like-Minded People
- Finds it hard to identify and connect with potential friends
Journal Friendship Path
- Lose track of how their friendships evolve over time
- Forgotten special moments or shared experiences with friends
In the Future...
To lead the future of Gaming Culture, Creating a Seamless Bridge between Innovation & Community
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