Solo Project
Sushi Shuffle
Overview
An overcooked themed match-3 puzzle game where players craft sushi, overcome obstacles, and master challenges to become a sushi master.
Role: UX/UI Designer
Timeline: 5 days (January 2025)
Team: Solo Project
Empathize: Current Users
Based on Apple App Store and Google Play Store Reviews:
What Does Our Competition Look Like?
Competitors are all rated very similarly and seem to have their own set of strengths and weaknesses
Define: The Design Challenge
How might we create a visually appealing and engaging match-3 puzzle game that combines the satisfying challenge of puzzle-solving with a fresh sushi-making theme?
User Needs
Based on data collected through the competitive analysis as well as the user reviews I defined the top 3 user needs I want to focus on when designing this application.
Intuitive Interface: Ensure the game is easy to navigate with clear visual cues and smooth interactions.
Dynamic Challenges: Include obstacles and time-based challenges that keep the gameplay engaging and rewarding.
Fresh and Unique Theme: Offer a distinctive sushi-making theme that combines the puzzle-solving mechanics with culinary chaos.
Game Design Goals
Addictive Gameplay
Create a balance of challenge and satisfaction with mechanics that reward quick thinking and long-term planning.
Memorable Visuals
Deliver a vibrant, colourful art style that reflects a sushi restaurant's cheerful and chaotic atmosphere while staying true to the original Overcooked theme.
Accessibility for All Players
Ensure simple controls and clear tutorials to make the game approachable while offering deeper challenges for more advanced players.
Replayability and Progression
Keep players coming back with unlockable content, daily challenges and competitive leaderboards.
Design Goals
As well as defining some design goals before getting started.
Engaging Matching Mechanic: Create a matching puzzle system that aligns with sushi orders, offering satisfying challenges for players while also staying true to the original Overcooked theme.
Timed Challenges & Dynamic Obstacles: Implement time-based objectives and obstacles like spoiled fish or broken rolls to enhance gameplay excitement.
Progression System with Balanced Monetization: Design a rewarding progression system with upgrades and special ingredients, while minimizing reliance on in-app purchases.
Game Design Document
Ideate: Brainstorming
In order to organize my ideas I started by doing a little rapid brainstorming session and separating my ideas into an organized mind map. (hover over image)
I then decided on the features I wanted to include in the game using the MoSCoW Framework.
Due to the scope of this project being so large, with a limited number of days to complete it, I made a user journey map to show which part of the application I wanted to focus on designing.
(hover over image)
Prototype: Constructing the Idea
I started with sketching out the layout I wanted for the game, incorporating the features I decided on from my brainstorming sessions.
Original Game Inspo
I want the UI of this game too closely resemble that of the Overcooked game, more specifically the sushi levels. I gathered screenshots from the game and used it as inspiration.
Final Outcome
These screens showcase the gameplay mechanics, a visually engaging interface, and an interactive tutorial that introduces unique features like Wasabi Blasts and fire obstacles. Looking back at the design goals I set at the beginning of this project, they have all been met.
Key Takeaways
⚖️ Balancing engaging mechanics with clarity is crucial for onboarding.
🏃🏽♀️ Rapid iteration helps refine ideas within time constraints.
🎮 Drawing from popular games like Overcooked can effectively connect with target audiences.