Fluency Runner
Fluency Runner is a mobile game designed to teach language vocabulary through gameplay. The goal was to combine engaging game mechanics with language learning.
Role: UI game designer
Timeline: 2 months
Team: Play Morgan studios
Tools: Figma, Unity 3D, Adobe photoshop, Inkscape
Impact: Received an average of 4.2 star ratings after game launch
My role
In my capacity as the UI designer and artist, my primary responsibility encompassed the conceptualisation and development of the game's user interface, including the crafting of icons, logos, and various screens. Additionally, I was tasked with the formulation of a comprehensive set of design guidelines, meticulously designed to establish and perpetuate a sense of consistency and harmonious design elements throughout the entirety of the game's interface.
Background
Fluency Runner is a language-learning mobile game shipped by Play Morgan Studios. The game is based at a college, where the student, a teenage male, is being held in detention for receiving a low grade on an exam. Instead of staying in the assigned room, the student decides to run into the halls of the college and attempt to escape the teacher who gives chase. In order to escape the teacher chasing him, he has to correctly translate as many words and sentences as possible.
Language learning apps often struggle to maintain long-term engagement. Exercises can feel repetitive and disconnected from enjoyable gameplay.
The problem
Balancing gameplay and learning
Ensuring that Fluency Runner effectively balances the educational aspect with the fun and engaging gameplay posed a significant challenge. Striking the right balance was crucial to keep players motivated to learn while enjoying the game.
Realistic game environment
Designing a realistic and immersive college environment while maintaining a focus on language-learning gameplay presented a design challenge.
Motivating player engagement
Keeping players motivated to engage in language translation challenges while evading the chasing teacher required innovative solutions.
Success metrics
These are the success metrics and criteria set for the project to make sure all ares were considered
User goals
Business goals
Constraints
Increase player retention
For players to learn different languages with the game
Tiered and level-based gaming system
Make language learning engaging and interactive
Easy to use interface and navigation
Increase in difficulty for experienced players
Balancing educational value with gameplay engagement
Research & discovery
Research into language learning behaviour highlighted the importance of short, repeatable learning interactions, which can be especially effective in both classroom settings and self-directed study. These interactions allow learners to strengthen their grasp of new vocabulary and grammar structures in a manageable, stress-free environment, ultimately leading to increased retention of information over time.
Concept exploration
Multiple game mechanics were explored to determine the best balance between engaging learning experiences and enjoyable entertainment, allowing players to immerse themselves in the content while also fostering an environment conducive to skill development and personal growth within the gaming framework.
Sketches
Initial wireframes
Final design
The final design seamlessly integrates vocabulary prompts into gameplay progression, enhancing the learning experience while keeping players engaged and motivated to explore new words and concepts in an enjoyable and interactive manner.
Results & impact
The game created an engaging learning experience that encourages repeated play sessions, allowing players to delve deeply into the mechanics and explore various strategies. With each playthrough, participants can uncover new elements and enhance their skills, fostering a sense of accomplishment and mastery over time.
My learnings
Future improvements could include personalised learning paths that are tailored to each individual's needs, allowing learners to thrive at their own pace and ensuring a more effective educational experience overall.