Minecraft Dungeons
As part of a 7-week UX/UI in Gaming course through ELVTR, I conducted a full case study on Minecraft Dungeons, analyzing its gameplay flow, UI structure, and overall user experience. This project was a deep dive into how gameplay systems and interface design shape player attention, and how improvements, even to successful games, can make experiences more intuitive, immersive, and rewarding.
Understanding the System to Improve It
The core challenge was to identify friction points in a game that already performs well. I approached this by breaking down the player journey into stages and mapping how UI and UX supported or hindered that flow. I created detailed flowcharts and wireframes to visualize gameplay sequences and test layout revisions.
My focus quickly zeroed in on the game’s online play experience and how the HUD, inventory, and home screen features could better guide and support players. Minecraft’s world may seem simple, but under the hood, it’s one where attention management, decision fatigue, and social features have a major impact on player engagement.
Solutions & Design Thinking
Each proposed revision was rooted in player empathy and supported by usability thinking:
- Social UI Boosts: I added a Twitch login button and a Friends/Groups modal directly to the home screen to emphasize Minecraft Dungeons' growing multiplayer focus and encourage streaming or social play from the start.
- HUD Adjustments: By tweaking HUD layout in single-player to mirror multiplayer, I created a more consistent learning curve and better onboarding for new players planning to team up.
- Inventory Overhaul: I restructured the inventory screen to ease item sifting and gear modification, reducing friction for players deep in dungeon crawl loops and making it easier to strategize gear upgrades.
Outcomes & Growth
This project strengthened my ability to:
- Dig deep into game mechanics and translate system complexity into player-focused solutions
- Visualize player journeys and diagnose design friction through UX flows
- Quickly prototype and iterate through wireframes and usability testing
- Bridge my previous design experience into the gaming space with a grounded, analytical mindset
More than anything, it reaffirmed that I’m not only passionate about game design, but I’m committed to continuous learning, iteration, and improvement. Whether through flowcharts or feedback loops, my goal is always to support the player and elevate the gameplay experience.
