Cities: Skylines is one of the most popular city-building simulation games on the market today, providing players with the opportunity to create and manage their own virtual cities. However, despite its engaging gameplay, the game’s main menu was often criticized for being cluttered and difficult to navigate. That’s where this redesign proposal comes in.
As a UX Designer with a background in architecture and urbanism, I was eager to use my skills to improve the player experience in Cities: Skylines. My goal was to create a main menu that was not only visually appealing, but also intuitive and easy to use.
To accomplish this, I conducted extensive research on the current main menu and identified areas for improvement. I then created wireframes and prototypes to test various design solutions, finally settling on a clean and simple design that put the player at the center of the experience. The new design features a minimalist layout, with clear and concise navigation options, allowing players to quickly access all the game’s features and functionalities.
One of the key elements of the redesign was the effective use of the game’s color palette. The main menu now features a more vibrant color palette, with the colors selected to match the game’s existing aesthetic, providing a visual contrast to the background. The background itself is no longer neutral, featuring a video of the player’s city, highlighting what can be accomplished in the game. This serves as a source of inspiration for players, encouraging them to continue building and managing their virtual cities.
Another important aspect of the redesign was the use of animated icons, further improving the visual appeal of the main menu. The new design also incorporates a player’s city, providing a clear visual connection between the main menu and the player’s progress in the game. This small but impactful change helps to create a sense of ownership and encourages players to continue playing the game.
In conclusion, this redesign proposal demonstrates how important it is to consider both UX and UI design when creating a game’s main menu. By improving the player experience, the game becomes more engaging and enjoyable, encouraging players to spend more time in their virtual cities. The redesign proposal for Cities: Skylines’ main menu serves as a testament to the potential for design to enhance the player experience in any game.
If you’re interested in learning more about this redesign proposal for Cities: Skylines main menu, I invite you to access the full case study on my portfolio website by clicking here. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the research, design, and testing process, and offers a closer look at the design solutions and visual elements that were used to create the new main menu, you will also be able to see the interactive prototype. Whether you’re a fan of Cities: Skylines or simply interested in UX/UI design, I believe this case study will provide valuable insights and inspiration. So why not take a moment to check it out and see the redesign for yourself?
