The Golf Club

The Project:

I was brought in during the ideation stage of “The Golf Club,” a ground-breaking golfing game notable for its comprehensive course editor. This game was a pioneer in its category, being the first of its kind to be available on both consoles and virtual reality (VR) platforms. My role was to assume leadership of the UX/UI aspects, working closely with the project’s leadership team, and overseeing a team of six designers.

The Process:

• Implementing a Design > UX > UI Pipeline: Right from the beginning, I established a structured design process that placed a strong emphasis on the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). This pipeline served as the foundation for the project’s development, ensuring that design considerations were central to the process.
• Utilizing User Flows, Wireframes, and Rapid Prototyping: To validate and enhance the game’s design documents, I employed various tools such as user flows, wireframes, and rapid prototyping. These methods were instrumental in checking the design’s alignment with player expectations and facilitating a player-centric approach to design.

• System Design Expertise: I provided valuable system design expertise, particularly in leading the design of the complex course editor. This component required a simplified, console-controller-focused approach to a system with intricate functionalities, achieved through the use of radial menus. My guidance ensured that this critical feature remained intuitive and accessible to players.

• Leadership in VR Development: In addition to my responsibilities in the core game, I took the lead in developing the VR version of the game. This involved working directly with the development team to ensure that the VR experience met the highest standards.

Final Thoughts:

• • Challenges and Rapid Prototyping: This project presented a unique set of challenges, primarily due to the complexity of the course editor and the limitations imposed by console-based control systems. Rapid prototyping emerged as a valuable strategy, allowing us to explore and experiment with various solutions using a “fail fast” approach. This approach was crucial in refining and optimizing the player experience in the face of complex design challenges.

In conclusion, “The Golf Club” was a remarkable project that pushed the boundaries of golfing games by introducing a comprehensive course editor and embracing VR technology. My leadership in UX/UI, collaboration with the team, and commitment to player-focused design played a pivotal role in overcoming challenges and ensuring the success of this pioneering game.