Redesigning dev tools for massively multiplayer games
Rethinking the developer experience for a distributed game engine platform
Context
The SpatialOS web console enables game developers to test, profile, debug, and deploy their game instances. Starting in 2016, I led a long-term effort to improve the console's usability and consistency — bringing clarity to what had become a complex, organically-emergent interface.
User research
I kicked off the project with a series of user interviews to uncover key workflows and usability issues. The findings were captured in a one-page flowchart.
Improvements
A few examples of the kind of changes made as a consequence:
Project reflections
Wins
- Established a clear structural vision for the app, replacing ad-hoc growth with a cohesive plan.
- Improved alignment between design, front-end development, and user needs.
Learnings
- Progress was slow, as improvements had to fit between feature-driven priorities.
- Some team misalignments persisted.
That's the final project!
Everything else is in my head — ask me about it. linkedin.com/in/niczap · nicolas@niczap.design