Multiplayer Gaming for Seniors

Our mission was to increase meaningful engagement between seniors and their families through multiplayer gaming.

Role
Product Designer

Client
GrandPad

Year
2022

Research & Discovery

To kick off the project, I met with stakeholders and identified key assumptions and questions related to seniors, their families, and online gaming. We then aimed to understand the importance of games, its meaning to people, and how they perceive multiplayer functions.

We conducted interviews with four seniors and six companion* users and distributed a survey to 25 users during this phase. The insights helped us learn about gaming and social habits and identify quick-win opportunities for the product team. Crucially, this research also led to a new feature being developed: combining video calls and games.

*Companions are users in the family network of a GrandPad user, usually friends or family.

Screenshot+2023-02-23+at+12.30.46+PM.jpg
Screenshot 2023-02-23 at 12.54.30 PM.png

Design Process

With the scope of the project defined, I began by:

  • Reviewing existing game layouts and assessing customer feedback regarding their playability

  • Conducting a competitive analysis of online checkers games to identify common features and existing thought models

  • Creating a user flow diagram to understand and document game interactivity

  • Collaborating with the lead developer and product manager to define the design using wireframes

  • Developing a high-fidelity prototype and conducting usability testing to ensure compatibility with seniors' specific needs

This process led to a game that included the ability to invite opponents, send and receive moves, end the game, and access instructions or help.

Inviting users: Easy and fun invitation process to play, allowing users to see recent games in progress and start new ones

Instructions: Accessible guidance placed front and center, providing context and reducing cognitive load

Notifications: Personalized player invitations displaying photos and names for easy identification

Easy to Play: Onscreen elements were reduced into a menu for mobile users, so companions can play and engage from anywhere

Customer Testimonials

  • We all love being able to share pictures and video chat with Grandma! And my kids LOVE being able to play chess and checkers with Grandpa (and their aunts and uncles) over a long distance. Brilliant! Thank you!

    GrandPad Customer

  • Thank you for the opportunity for the grand kids to play checkers and chess with their grandpa while even far away! He was in the hospital and playing games through the GrandPad cheered him up!

    GrandPad Customer

  • My granddaughter calls me every morning to say good morning and calls most nights to play a game or two of checkers.

    Super Senior

Results

  • Hundreds of users play 2-3 games of checkers every day with their families, amounting to thousands of engagement and play hours per month

  • More games were developed using the Multiplayer Game framework, increasing engagement further

  • Positive customer testimonials

Next

Rivalworld