Experience Design in Game Development

Leading UX and research for Chess Infinity, a console and PC release, shaping how players interact and play

Released
2024
Stack
Figma, Unreal Engine, UserTesting
Platforms
PlayStation, Xbox, Windows

Experience Design

User Research

Research

User Research

Content Design

Context

Discover, Learn & Conquer

Most chess games cater to only one type of player and can be either too complex for beginners or too shallow for experts. We set out to make a chess experience that teaches, tests, and inspires players of all levels, from complete beginners to experts.

The Challenge

Balance visual richness with clarity, ensuring accessibility, consistency, and lasting engagement for every type of player.

Process

Work closely with the game designer to align on UX flow

Wireframe and prototype

collaboratively with 2D artists

Competitor research of established chess platforms and best-in-class titles for learning, achievements and inventory systems etc.

LinkedIn learning / Coursera

Chess.com

Sort and filter MVP?

Host regular critique workshops with all stakeholders

Usability testing for all platforms ie. keyboard, mouse + gamepads

Work closely with the game designer to align on UX flow

Wireframe and prototype

collaboratively with 2D artists

Competitor research of established chess platforms and best-in-class titles for learning, achievements and inventory systems etc.

LinkedIn learning / Coursera

Chess.com

Sort and filter MVP?

Host regular critique workshops with all stakeholders

Usability testing for all platforms ie. keyboard, mouse + gamepads

Highlights

Reducing visual noise,
to enhance gameplay

Undo and Best Move were special, using them negatively affected your score. They deserved different visual and interactive treatment than standard on-screen buttons.

I grouped these features into a drawer and named it Chess Assist. The interaction to access them was intentionally designed — reinforcing that they should be used selectively. This approach removed the need for F8/F9 hotkeys, relying instead on intuitive left and right navigation.

An Intuitive Puzzle System That Rewards Completion

We needed a clean, scalable and inclusive way to present Puzzle Packs. My iterative process is summarised below.

Initial Mock

This is the initial sketch by the game designer, showing each puzzle and its type. A check denotes its completed state

Initial Mock

This is the initial sketch by the game designer, showing each puzzle and its type. A check denotes its completed state

Impact

Community Feedback

Players praised the learning tools, Tour mode, and reward unlocks; many noted the environments and visuals as standout features.

Reviews up

Steam reviews showed that engagement elements were loved as well as the aesthetic

Engagement up

According to in-game analytics, the inventory system and Tour mode both saw strong adoption, validating the approach of combining exploration, growth, and visual immersion.

Visuals

Experience Design in Game Development