Bandai TCG+
Team
Tools
Role
Duration
feature redesigning for a more intuitive experience
My first introduction to TCG
In recent months, me and my friends would spend our free time playing Bandai's One Piece TCG. After building my card deck, I wanted to see what local events were near me so that I could compete in tournaments alongside my friends.
However, while BANDAI's TCG+ app promised to connect players with a community and being able to discover local tournaments, the reality was an extremely unintuitive interface and confusing navigation. Finding and filtering events would be wrought with dead ends, more-than-necessary clicking, and unexpected encounters with buggy features. This got me thinking, "Is there a way to enhance and simplify this process of finding local events?"
But first, what is Bandai TCG+?
Bandai TCG+ is a one-stop application for Bandai Card Games that includes finding a store near users, registering for events, tournament attendance and pairings, and deck building features.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with BANDAI in any capacity.
Problem
TCG players who use the BANDAI TCG+ app to find local tournaments are frustrated by a confusing and unintuitive interface. This makes it difficult for them to discover and participate in events, hindering their overall experience.
Solution
I aimed to improve the BANDAI TCG+ app by redesigning the interface for a smoother user experience. My focus was on simplifying the process of finding and registering for local tournaments by making user interactions, like clicks, more meaningful and efficient.
PROCESS _
Product Analysis
Some Desk Research
User feedback on app stores and Reddit forums frequently expressed frustration with finding and registering for local tournaments within Bandai's TCG+ app.
I conducted an online survey to gather user feedback on their experience with BANDAI TCG+.
14 anonymous responses were recorded. These responses provided mostly qualitative data - descriptive information about user experiences. Converting this data using quantitative methods provided valuable insights into user pain points. However, a larger sample size could have provided a more comprehensive picture.
What I would focus on
I decided to prioritize on Bandai TCG+ app's key user touchpoints: the home page, user's events page, and search event page.
By prioritizing the core sections that directly impact tournament discovery and registration flow, I aimed to make the entire process effortless and enjoyable for users.
Usability Testing: Validating Design Improvements
To validate the effectiveness of my initial prototype, I conducted moderated remote testing sessions with four TCG players. The results were overwhelmingly positive, highlighting significant improvements in usability and user experience:
4/4...
Found the redesigned interface to be much friendlier and more intuitive, making it easier to navigate and understand.
Expressed strong satisfaction with the top header component, particularly its ability to save their location preferences, streamlining the process of finding local tournaments.
3/4...
Demonstrated a clear understanding of the conveyed information and the element's functionality.
This usability test provided valuable feedback; it revealed the need to improve visual differentiation between the homepage and the discover event page. However, my focus on consistency may have caused unintended similarity. This is an opportunity for further refinement in the next iteration.
OUTCOME _
Some considerations
Initial user feedback on my simplified design flow for Bandai TCG+ has been overwhelmingly positive, which indicates Bandai TCG+ has the potential to streamline its user experience and increase engagement. However, scaling up the usability testing with a more diverse sample within the One Piece TCG player base is crucial for more comprehensive validation.
Future features to enhance player experience
Furthermore, it might be worth looking into replacing Bandai's card deck building feature with a solution that's directly tied to the player's live event experience. Some ideas that might be worth implementing:
By prioritizing good user experience, Bandai TCG+ can be transformed into a platform that actively enriches the One Piece TCG community. Ultimately, I hope this design solution can become a catalyst for enhanced player engagement, fostering a more connected and competitive ecosystem.
OTHER WORK _
