Challenge
Lack of Identity: XDefiant struggled with a clear visual and thematic identity. While it blended elements from multiple games, it lacked a distinctive presentation that could stand on its own.
Navigation Issues: Core navigation elements felt clunky or inconsistent when compared to other titles in the genre, creating friction for users moving between matchmaking, loadouts, and other key areas.
The Approach
1. Visual Identity
I positioned XDefiant as a modernized shooter that pulls inspiration from various titles but deliberately avoided mimicking their art styles. Instead, the focused on crafting a distinct aesthetic that could evolve over time, setting the game apart without leaning too heavily on genre tropes.
2. Defining the Game’s UX Language
Using Figma as the primary tool, I redefined the interface structure and interaction models to better align with the fast-paced nature of the game. This included creating entirely new UI assets and design systems to support a consistent, intuitive experience to ensure players could navigate the game with clarity and ease.
3. Streamline Navigation
The original menu system was bloated with unnecessary layers, so it was overhauled to prioritize quick, fluid transitions between high-traffic areas like matchmaking, loadouts, and customization. By simplifying the menu structure, we significantly reduced player friction and improved usability across the board.
Results
Established Identity: Created a distinct and standalone identity for XDefiant that positioned it beyond just a blend of existing titles.
Improved Visual Consistency: Balanced bold visuals with clarity to avoid visual clutter and enhance overall usability.
Custom Asset Creation: All UI elements were designed from scratch and handed off cleanly for implementation by the development team.
Conclusion
This project helped XDefiant define its voice in a crowded genre by focusing on visual clarity, user flow, and a strong identity. Laying out the foundation for a UI/UX experience that complements the game’s unique take on the FPS space. For me this project was a way to iterate on a problem that I had with the game throughout my enjoyment. Being a quick way to establish a solution to my creative block at the time, art always is the cure.
