Project Overview: Lootquick is a web platform designed for gamers to trade in-game items, currency, and characters across a variety of games. Developed by a small team of four, this project was a labor of passion and collaboration, worked on during our free time alongside our regular jobs.
My Role: As the sole designer on the team, I took on the challenge of creating the entire user experience and interface design from scratch. My responsibilities ranged from conducting stakeholder interviews and competitor research to developing user personas, user flows, and wireframes. I then translated these insights into detailed designs using Figma, ensuring that each design decision aligned with the needs and expectations of our users.
Design Process: The design journey began with brainstorming sessions to establish the brand identity and name. I conducted thorough research into competing websites, identifying best practices and areas for improvement. With this knowledge, I developed comprehensive user flows and sitemaps in Miro, laying the foundation for the wireframes and prototypes that followed.
Once the wireframes were ready, I iterated on the design by consulting with stakeholders to refine the layout and functionality. I explored various color palettes to strike the right balance between a gaming aesthetic and a trustworthy, professional appearance. The final design, which included a logo and a polished landing page, was shaped by continuous feedback and refinement.
Challenges & Limitations: One of the biggest challenges was managing the workload as the only designer on the team, particularly as someone still gaining experience in the field. Balancing this project with my full-time job meant that time was a constant constraint. Additionally, a significant limitation we faced was the decision to use Bootstrap for development. While Bootstrap offers many advantages, it also imposed certain constraints on the design, leading to compromises between the initial design vision and what could be practically implemented. This required ongoing communication with the development team to ensure the final product remained true to the core design principles, even if some details had to be adjusted.
Outcomes: While the project is still in development, with the programming team currently working to bring our designs to life, I am proud of the progress we’ve made. The focus has always been on creating a platform that not only meets the functional needs of gamers but also instills a sense of trust and security, with features like BankID integration.
Reflection: This project has been a significant learning experience for me. Despite the challenges, including the design limitations imposed by Bootstrap, I’m proud of the work I've done and the collaborative effort we've made as a team. I'm excited to see Lootquick evolve into a fully functional platform that serves the gaming community.
