Springboard Capstone
TeamSynrgy
For my capstone project for Springboard, I created a mobile app called TeamSynrgy. TeamSynrgy is an esports freelancer platform that aims to streamline job opportunities, portfolio management, and financial tracking for users in the esports industry. The solution is designed to address the fragmented workflow freelancers face, providing an all-in-one intuitive platform.
My Role & Team
As the sole designer for this project, I was responsible for conducting user research, interviews, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design. My mentor, Abhinav, provided invaluable feedback on my designs and presentations, guiding me through the process and helping refine my approach to problem-solving and storytelling.
I conducted usability testing sessions with 15 participants representing diverse demographics, including varying age groups, genders, and levels of tech proficiency. This ensured the feedback captured a wide range of perspectives, enabling me to design solutions that addressed different user needs and challenges effectively.
My Goal
The solution is designed to address the fragmented workflow freelancers face, providing an all-in-one intuitive platform.
Creating a Research Plan
I created a research plan in order to industry how I would conduct my research through screener surveys and user interviews.
Significant layoffs in esports over the past year mirror trends in gaming and tech.
Despite growth, companies face financial challenges due to market saturation, high costs, and shifting fan interests.
The term "esports winter" began in late 2023, marking a period of industry slowdown.
Companies are now seeking more sustainable ways to operate.
Esports freelancers face fewer jobs, inconsistent work, and lower pay.
"Esports winter" has increased competition for contracts.
Many are adapting or exploring other fields for opportunities.
Research
I also analyzed the problem space and researched problems that are current in the industry.
Secondary Research Highlights:
In 2023, the games industry lost 11,250 people, which already rose to 6,000 by January 2024. This reflects challenges like financial instability, reduced demand, and market changes (PC Gamer, 2024)
There is an emphasis that traditional recruitment methods fail to effectively identify candidates with the specific skill sets required for specialized esports roles (Funk & Buettner, 2020)
A 2021 study on esports labor market inequality found that tournament prize pools mainly benefit top-tier players, while freelancers face low-paying and inconsistent income opportunities. (McLeod & Xue, 2021)
Screener Survey: I sent out screening surveys to find candidates, and selected five esports professionals for interviews, covering diverse roles in the industry.
User Interviews: I then conducted five user interviews to gather in-depth insights from key stakeholders within the esports industry. These stakeholders include hiring managers, HR representatives, aspiring professionals, and industry experts through Google Meet.
Research (cont.)
I then used three synthesis methods to further understand users. This was done thorough an affinity map, empathy maps, and user personas.
My top insights were:
Freelancers across esports roles, such as casters and video editors, face inconsistent job opportunities and rely heavily on personal connections, social media (especially Twitter), and informal networks to find work.
A recurring theme among freelancers is their deep passion for esports, which motivates them to persevere despite low pay, job instability, and long hours.
User Story
Creating the user story helped me refine my project by prioritizing features that aligned with user goals, ensuring a focused and impactful solution.
User Flow
Creating the user flow allowed me to visualize and streamline the steps users take within my project. This process ensured the design stayed intuitive and aligned with user goals.
Wireframes
I created wireframes of possible screens before creating high-fidelity mockups.
High-Fidelity Mockups
I created high-fidelity mockups after gathering feedback from other designers. Next, I conducted usability interviews and a usability test to understand how I can further adjust my product and added this feedback into the prototype.
This project marked my first experience creating a mobile UI/UX app, offering numerous opportunities to grow as a designer. Initially, I believed that my personal experience as a user would provide sufficient understanding of user needs. However, the process revealed gaps in my assumptions, particularly around crucial flows such as signup and login. Engaging with users directly taught me the value of prioritizing diverse perspectives over personal biases.
Another key learning was the importance of inclusivity. Designing for different genders and ensuring the app felt welcoming to all users became a focal point. This highlighted the need to consciously integrate inclusivity from the outset rather than as an afterthought.
Additionally, financial clarity emerged as a crucial aspect of the user experience. Visualizing financial information, such as account balances or transactions, required creating accessible and easy-to-understand formats. Ensuring that charts, graphs, and other data visualizations were compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers was essential for users with accessibility needs.
Moreover, creating a more dynamic design added another layer of innovation. Incorporating real-time interactions, adaptive elements, and engaging microanimations ensured the app felt modern and responsive, improving both functionality and user satisfaction.
Looking back, I would have dedicated more time to understanding user pain points during the discovery phase and aligning with stakeholders on a shared vision. Additionally, incorporating edge cases earlier in the process would have led to a more robust and user-centered design. This project has solidified my commitment to user research, inclusivity, and iterative improvements, shaping me into a more empathetic and adaptable UX designer.
User Flow
Creating the user flow allowed me to visualize and streamline the steps users take within my project. This process ensured the design stayed intuitive and aligned with user goals.