Poker Bang: Proof-of-Concept Prototype
BY JEFF SCHADER
Hi Dog Network and Technology Company, a leading game publishing studio, originally contracted The Skins Factory to design their new gaming platform which can be viewed here. They soon came back and had us design the first 2 screens for their popular mobile poker game, Poker Bang. Below you’ll see the high-fidelity wireframes along with the final artwork. Our design team was also tasked with creating placeholder game card graphics.
Mobile Poker Game UI/UX Design
Prototyping the Main Dashaboard / Home Screen
The prototypes adhered to a comparable structure with minor variations in the header and footer. Game design is one of the few platforms where skeuomorphism still lives and breathes. Skeuomorphism pertains to recreating real-world objects and surfaces in digital environments. Our decision was to adopt a contemporary aesthetic and implement a neumorphic visual design approach. Neumorphism, a design technique that creates a 3D appearance without being based on any physical material, is an effective way to add depth and modernity to user interfaces. Implementing this technique in game design can enhance the tactile experience and make the virtual world feel more immersive and realistic.
These are the first set of comps we designed. Click or Tap an image below to view full size.
The Final High-Fidelity Prototypes
After reviewing the prototypes, the client chose Version A as their preferred option. Our next step was to expand upon the screen content while developing two layouts: One for the Main Dashboard/Home Screen and another for the landscape-oriented Rank Match Room.
Above:
Main Dashboard / Home Screen
Above:
Rank Match Room
The Final Prototypes
The user interface design language we chose for the user interface was a sophisticated, charcoal grey neutral tone. This dark UI not only enhances the visual appeal of the game by making colors pop off the screen, but it also allows the in-game assets to take center stage. A good UI is designed to “get out of the way” and let the content take center stage.
In terms of button designs, we opted for a combination of recessed and 3D elements to create a sense of depth and tactility. The placeholder card graphics for Texas Hold'Em, Omaha, and Special were created using artificial intelligence (AI) as a cost-effective solution. These designs were intended to serve as inspiration for Hi-Dog's in-house illustration team. We opted for highly vibrant color schemes to ensure that they would stand out on the user interface (UI).
Above:
Final Main Dashboard / Home Screen Design
Above:
Final Rank Match Room Design
Above:
The Button Tap States
An Alternative Color Scheme
Throughout our 23-year career, The Skins Factory has always been dedicated to providing a wide range of options to our clients and their users. The color purple is often associated with wealth and luxury, making it the perfect addition to any game of chance. Alongside that, we also introduced a vibrant crimson red version for added variety. Red is the luckiest color in Chinese color and symbolizes success and good fortune in China, where our client is based. Details matter. Finally we added green which is synonymous with money in the United States.
So that’s a look at the Poker Bang prototype user interface (UI) design. Be sure to check out the full gaming platform we designed for Hi Dog by clicking or tapping the image below.
