Toxic online behavior accountability app
Role: UX/UI, Research, Visual Design
Tools: Adobe XD
Timeline: Feb - Apr 2022
Introduction
Good Game
I looked for problems in a community that I am a part of. I have been playing Dota 2 for over eight years, so I chose to explore toxic behavior in gaming communities as I have been exposed to it repeatedly. The aim is to resolve this problem by creating an app with gamified elements that encourage players to develop a sense of accountability toward their own toxic behavior against other players.
DESIGN QUESTION
How might we encourage players to develop a sense of inner accountability in the multiplayer community to ensure a more enjoyable experience for all players
Solution Approach
Create an app that builds accountability in players by allowing the community to give their feedback on other players' behavior, and be rewarded for it.
Research
Desktop Research
To understand the scope of the issue of toxicity in online games, desktop research was done that gave me an understanding of how environmental factors, emotional influences, game mechanics, and jargon has an influence. To summarise the findings I created an Affinity diagram.
User interviews
Because the project is about my community, I interviewed multiple fellow online gamers who have been affected by toxic behavior over the years. This allowed me to create an Empathy map that started the process of understanding the user
USER peRSONA
Ideation
Sketches & WIreframes
USER Flow
Final Solution
Prototype
United Task - Players have a way of earning coins, and giving opinions on others' actions. Compete on streaks to earn more. A collective task for all players to participate in.
Community Bonding - Moderated chats between players. Ask questions, share and learn together. Build a positive space for people to join
Personal Style - A way players can express themselves, spending gold on cosmetics that add personal flare to profiles and limited edition skins for in-game
App Setup - When opening the app, the splash screen with the logo is presented, followed by the three core features of the app. Users are required to log in or sign up to access the features. Users need a personal profile to interact with players and collect gold coins
Bounty Hunting - The main feature of the app is to reward a user for voting on other players' behavior. Contracts need to verify with the wanted players' Steam ID to reduce spit reports. After verifying the user can vote on their playing behavior to then claim their gold coins.
Community Interactions - A space for players to learn and communicate with like-minded players. Share a memorable in-game moment or ask questions to receive personalized answers. All interactions are moderated to encourage a positive space, mods also post informational content to develop the community's common gaming language and encourage accountability for player's actions
Cosmetics shop - Spend your hard-earned gold on cosmetics that change your appearance inside the app, as well as buy limited edition skins for in-game usage. Users can customize their appearance to meet their liking