Quick Summary
Project: A self-directed redesign of the UI/UX of Shinsekai: Into the Depths—an underwater adventure game by Capcom—completed as part of my academic studies.
Audience: Players on Apple Arcade and Nintendo Switch, and potential future users who could benefit from clearer, more intuitive game interfaces.
Overview
This was a school-based project undertaken to practice applying professional UI/UX design principles to an existing product.
I was not affiliated with Capcom or the game’s official development. The goal was to explore how thoughtful interface design could improve clarity, accessibility, and the overall player experience in a richly atmospheric game.
The Challenge
Shinsekai: Into the Depths captivated players with its visuals and immersive audio, but many reviews highlighted cumbersome menus, confusing inventory management, and unclear navigation that disrupted gameplay. The challenge was to redesign these UI elements to make them more user-friendly while preserving the game’s artistic atmosphere.
My Contribution
-
Conducted extensive research through player reviews and competitive analysis of similar games.
-
Created a customized Game User Journey Map and User Flow Chart to prioritize redesign efforts.
-
Sketched low-fidelity wireframes for key screens including Start, Main Menu, Gameplay, Inventory, and Game Over.
-
Built mid and high-fidelity clickable prototypes in Adobe XD, incorporating a cohesive style guide.
-
Ran A/B usability tests comparing original and redesigned screens to gather actionable feedback.
Game User Journey Map
This customized journey map visualizes the player’s thoughts, actions, emotions, and pain points throughout different phases of gameplay, revealing key opportunities for UI/UX improvements.
Game User Flow Chart
This flow chart outlines the redesigned steps players take from starting the game through gameplay, highlighting where guidance and UI improvements could reduce frustration and improve clarity.
Style Guide
The style guide defines a cohesive visual language for the redesign, including color palette, typography, buttons, and UI elements—aiming for improved readability and a unified aesthetic.
The Outcome
-
Redesigned screens clarified menu structures, streamlined navigation, and improved user flow.
-
User testers preferred the functionality of the new designs, noting improved clarity and ease of use—even though some favored the original game’s visuals.
-
Despite not having access to original assets or the development team, this project demonstrated how user-centered design can enhance player experiences.
Tools & Skills Used
Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Audition, Premiere Pro, InDesign, Miro, Milanote, Nintendo Switch & Apple TV for gameplay research, comparative analysis, usability testing, prototyping, and UI/UX design for games.
Final Takeaway
Through this project, I deepened my understanding of game UI/UX design and reinforced the importance of clear navigation and thoughtful interaction design in maintaining player immersion. I learned to work within constraints, apply user research to real-world products, and create engaging, functional designs—skills I’m excited to bring to future projects.