Brief
Sony Playstation is releasing their new console. This brings an end to the 7 year lifespan of the current model, the Playstation 4. In those years, PS4 brought us many amazing games, polished the online experience, but like all things, was not without its flaws. One of those flaws was the user interface. Unlike the simplistic UIs from its predecessors, the PS4's UI is cluttered and convoluted. In this quick design, we will polish up the overall experience while focusing on the menu.
Brief
Sony Playstation is releasing their new console. This brings an end to the 7 year lifespan of the current model, the Playstation 4. In those years, PS4 brought us many amazing games, polished the online experience, but like all things, was not without its flaws. One of those flaws was the user interface. Unlike the simplistic UIs from its predecessors, the PS4's UI is cluttered and convoluted. In this quick design, we will polish up the overall experience while focusing on the menu.
Brief
Sony Playstation is releasing their new console. This brings an end to the 7 year lifespan of the current model, the Playstation 4. In those years, PS4 brought us many amazing games, polished the online experience, but like all things, was not without its flaws. One of those flaws was the user interface. Unlike the simplistic UIs from its predecessors, the PS4's UI is cluttered and convoluted. In this quick design, we will polish up the overall experience while focusing on the menu.
Listening to the feedback
I came across a couple posts on Reddit where some players prefer Xbox's UI over Playstation's. The other post was a conversation of current players sharing how their delight for the PS4's UI wavered as time went on. As a Playstation user myself, I also share the same frustrations. For example, I find myself lost when navigating the main menu because of its double tiered layout with icons that have no labels. Additionally, I have to scroll to the end of the menu list for my game library. Why? I actually have no idea. As a result, I find myself completing tasks slower, while feeling confused and not in control.
Below I have highlighted some of the pain point areas I and other players addressed
I came across a couple posts on Reddit where some players prefer Xbox's UI over Playstation's. The other post was a conversation of current players sharing how their delight for the PS4's UI wavered as time went on. As a Playstation user myself, I also share the same frustrations. For example, I find myself lost when navigating the main menu because of its double tiered layout with icons that have no labels. Additionally, I have to scroll to the end of the menu list for my game library. Why? I actually have no idea. As a result, I find myself completing tasks slower, while feeling confused and not in control.
Below I have highlighted some of the pain point areas I and other players addressed
I came across a couple posts on Reddit where some players prefer Xbox's UI over Playstation's. The other post was a conversation of current players sharing how their delight for the PS4's UI wavered as time went on. As a Playstation user myself, I also share the same frustrations. For example, I find myself lost when navigating the main menu because of its double tiered layout with icons that have no labels. Additionally, I have to scroll to the end of the menu list for my game library. Why? I actually have no idea. As a result, I find myself completing tasks slower, while feeling confused and not in control.
Below I have highlighted some of the pain point areas I and other players addressed
A
Peripheral Information
-
Although not the case, elements seem like they can be accessed by simply moving up using the controller
-
Elements are grouped with other unrelated options
-
Similar layout to a navigation bar while also positioned at the top of the screen creates a false sense of hierarchy
A
Peripheral Information
-
Although not the case, elements seem like they can be accessed by simply moving up using the controller
-
Elements are grouped with other unrelated options
-
Similar layout to a navigation bar while also positioned at the top of the screen creates a false sense of hierarchy
B
Starting in a Sub-Menu
-
Players begin here, in a sub menu instead of the top level. This can cause the player to feel confused of where they are
-
Recently played games and game library are at the tail end of the menu
-
Menu options are only icons without labels, forcing the user to recall from memory which option is which
B
Starting in a Sub-Menu
-
Players begin here, in a sub menu instead of the top level. This can cause the player to feel confused of where they are
-
Recently played games and game library are at the tail end of the menu
-
Menu options are only icons without labels, forcing the user to recall from memory which option is which
B
Starting in a Sub-Menu
-
Players begin here, in a sub menu instead of the top level. This can cause the player to feel confused of where they are
-
Recently played games and game library are at the tail end of the menu
-
Menu options are only icons without labels, forcing the user to recall from memory which option is which
C
Menu Top Level
-
Menu is now moved to bottom third of the screen
-
Top level menu also only uses icons and not labels until hovered upon
C
Menu Top Level
-
Some inventory’s position on screen blocks peripheral vision and enemy line of sight
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Top level menu also only uses icons and not labels until hovered upon
C
Menu Top Level
-
Some inventory’s position on screen blocks peripheral vision and enemy line of sight
-
Top level menu also only uses icons and not labels until hovered upon
D
Use of Space
-
Large amount of space not used
-
Inconsistent functnionality, sometimes displays information, and sometimes does not.
D
Use of Space
-
Large amount of space not used
-
Inconsistent functnionality, sometimes displays information, and sometimes does not.
Goals
Build a single menu that players can use to reach any desired feature or setting. This can help mitigate players feeling lost or confused while navigating through the user interface.
Provide useful information at a glance to reduce the amount of additional screens a player must enter
Design a user interface that allows players to quickly continue where they left off and feel in control at all times
The new and improved
With changes made to the main menu, the rest of the UI needed to match visually. I took up the challenge to redesign the rest of the menu so that players can have a cohesive experience. Below is a prototype that captures a player logging into their profile and up till the start of a game.
Taking a closer look
With the goals in mind, the number one priority was to get the menu right. I did not make the mistake of trying to come up with a novel idea, instead I made it pretty simple. Although simple, it was useful and out of the way. Once players logged in, they would intuitively use the menu to accomplish whatever tasks they needed as quickly as possible. In most cases, it was to access their recent game or streaming app. Ultimately, I put the players needs at the forefront instead of trying to wow them with new gadgets and whistles.
Below is the new main menu and a listing of how the new changes enhance the player's experience
With the goals in mind, the number one priority was to get the menu right. I did not make the mistake of trying to come up with a novel idea, instead I made it pretty simple. Although simple, it was useful and out of the way. Once players logged in, they would intuitively use the menu to accomplish whatever tasks they needed as quickly as possible. In most cases, it was to access their recent game or streaming app. Ultimately, I put the players needs at the forefront instead of trying to wow them with new gadgets and whistles.
Below is the new main menu and a listing of how the new changes enhance the player's experience
A
Peripheral Information
+
Useful information such as controller battery levels, WIFI connectivity and others available at a glance
+
Logical groupings of elements like profile related options or system levels
A
Peripheral Information
+
Useful information such as controller battery levels, WIFI connectivity and others available at a glance
+
Logical groupings of elements like profile related options or system levels
B
Consolidated Menu
+
Single menu that functions like a traditional navigation bar
+
Icons and labels help players navigate more confidently
+
Maximum of 5 options for the menu reduces the players cognitive load for their working memory
B
Consolidated Menu
+
Single menu that functions like a traditional navigation bar
+
Icons and labels help players navigate more confidently
+
Maximum of 5 options for the menu reduces the players cognitive load for their working memory
B
Consolidated Menu
+
Single menu that functions like a traditional navigation bar
+
Icons and labels help players navigate more confidently
+
Maximum of 5 options for the menu reduces the players cognitive load for their working memory
C
Use of Space
+
Relevant content is displayed based on current navigation menu option
+
Unlike with the previoius menu's functionality, this space is used as the main area to display information, results and other details.
+
Large space allows for elements to breathe or for more information to be displayed based on needs
Conclusion
Finally, no more double menus, or hidden libraries. This new design tackles all those things and more. The new UI focuses on putting the player first. Now, the joy and beauty a player experiences is not just from the visuals, but rather its ease of use. As players, we hope the upcoming Playstation 5 interface enhances the gaming experience, and does not once again become an obstacle.
Let's Connect
I’d love to collaborate or chat with another creative. Looking forward to hearing from you! ✌🏻
Copyright © 2024
Other Projects
Other Projects
Copyright © 2024
Let's Connect
I’d love to collaborate or chat with another creative. Looking forward to hearing from you! ✌🏻
Copyright © 2024
Other Projects