UX Projects | Steve Bromley's UX Blog

Projects

In addition to my current employment at American Express, I have been involved in a large number of user experience and usability projects, with partners such as Sony, Disney Interactive and Streaming Colour Studios.

Scroll down to read about these projects, or contact me to find out more.

Relentless	Locomatrix
Ongoing usability research project More details to follow.	The problem Locomatrix design location based mobile games. They are moving from symbian devices to smartphones, and were interested in new game ideas that take advantage of HTML5. The solution A user centered design process was undertaken, starting with an evaluation of user requirements with one-on-one testing and surveys, through lo-f paper & hi-fi JavaScript prototypes. The final game design, with UML models, and sample code was presented to Locomatrix for further development.
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe	Disney Interactive Studios
The problem Sony were testing ModNation Racers, and needed to conduct player experience studies, monitoring player’s perceptions of the game, the features they enjoyed, and how to tweak the game to make it more fun The solution I participated as a research assistant running participant tests and administering surveys. This was followed by the monitoring of a focus group session, where the player’s discussed their thoughts, and the administration of goal based tasks and objectives.	The problem Disney’s Brighton based Black Rock Studio were working on their high profile multi-platform game Split/Second, and wanted to find out how to tweak the key mechanics so that they were easy to grasp and fun The solution I conducted an expert evaluation of the game, with a focus on issues that would affect a new player. We delivered our findings with a presentation and written report, with clear guidelines on how to improve the player’s experience, presented to the head of Black Rock Studio. I followed this up with in-house testing.
Streaming Colour Studios	i-Ref.co.uk
The problem Owen Goss, founder of Streaming Colour Studios, was coming up to completion on his second iPhone game. His first game had not done as well as expected, and I believed that this was an issue with the user experience. By making the game more enjoyable, we could make his game a success. The solution I conducted an in depth analysis of the game, combining an expert evaluation with play-tests from a range of backgrounds, and from this highlighted potential issues with the game. I presented these to Owen, and he took them on board for updating his game. The game has proved successful in the App Store, and gained positive reviews from major sites.	The problem i-Ref needed a redesign of their website due to an upcoming meeting with the FA. As an integral part of how their app works, they needed a website that was easy to use for casual computer users, and that highlighted the ‘core functions’ of their app. The solution I redesigned their website, creating a new front end for the site that made it easy to log in, and then guided the customers through the steps of creating referee reports. i-Ref were happy presenting this website to the FA.
Dr Noel Capon	Tony Potter Publishing
The problem Noel Capon is a successful US text book author, and wanted to move into international markets. He already had a US Dollar based website and e-commerce shop, and wanted versions of his site for the UK and Euro market. He wanted to use his existing shop functionality and build upon his current Drupal website. The solution Working with iSOS and offshore vendors, we developed, tested and implemented custom Drupal functionality. We added mirrors for his shop and books for the UK and EU, and added functionality that would swap between them based on the URL people entered on. His e-commerce site now makes it easy to work with multiple countries and currencies.	The problem Tony Potter Publishing wanted a website to promote their new line of children’s fiction books. They wanted to make it easy to navigate, and easy to find specific information on books, so children could use it. The solution Working with iSOS I created a Drupal based CMS solution for them, which makes it easy to add new books or authors with minimal technical knowledge. The website does all the hard work for them, and automatically deals with formatting and style
Sluggies Hostel	Bands On The Net
The problem Brighton based Sluggie’s Hostel have a high staff turn over, and spent alot of time dealing with finance, for the large number of travellers who come to them. Because of the nature of their business, it was important the system was flexible and easy to learn. The solution I created a Filemaker Database for them, which automatically handled billing and created receipts. The system would produce daily critical action reports. Because of their high staff turnover, the system was made very simple to pick up and use, its functions requiring no training to easily add or edit guests, payments and to see critical information. Ultimately the program saves employees time	The problem We wanted a portal which had easy to access news and articles on band-related topics, and also allow the functionality to sign up and access a members only section, which would have premium articles and the ability for bands to submit music and information for public viewing The solution I created a Drupal based CMS, which automatically handles the submission of news and articles so that new articles could be posted easily. The website also has membership functionality and a members only section, and is largely automated so it can be updated by an unskilled user. The project has since been discontinued.
MimFest	Quake Matrix
The problem Mimfest, a bi-annual charity event needed a webpage, which made it easy to find information on the event, the dates, and the bands. The solution I created a Drupal based solution which allowed the event organisers to easily update the pages, and add news and event information with a WYSIWYG interface. We also added space to view pictures from the event. The event was a success.	The problem Quake Matrix was a total conversion for the original Quake, created by a small team between 2000 and 2003. The game introduced new gameplay mechanics, and enemies to the player, based on the film The Matrix The solution Working as head mapper, I created entirely new levels for Quake that aimed to explore the custom actions that Quake Matrix introduced to the First Person Shooter genre. They balanced guiding the player through the story, with freedom to use their new abilities, and challenging them with enemies and puzzles. The game was featured on PlanetQuake, and thousands of copies were downloaded.