Case Studies

The challenge
To test a suite of Bluey games on the active play system, Nex Playground. We explored parental opinion and appetite to purchase, as well as playability and enjoyment of five games, including Keepy Uppy and Musical Statues.

What we did
The games were rigorously tested in families’ living rooms in the USA. The project included children playing the games, as well as in-depth interviews with parents. 

How we added value

Highlighted key enjoyment moments and noted any usability fixes, resulting in better, more playable games that hit the mark for the target audience of Bluey fans.

Evaluated parental opinion and marketing options, giving useful and detailed insights into what parents thought about the active play system, potential marketing and the wider array of games on offer.

Confirmed that it appealed to families, especially those with mixed age children for all-family fun.

The challenge
To help Moonbug create a CoComelon game primarily for use on Nintendo Switch catering to the youngest gamers (3 year olds and up). Most had never used a Switch before.

What we did
As exec producers of the game, we prioritised conducting multiple rounds of testing with pre-schoolers and parents during production. Our iterative approach shaped the game into a well-tested and fun product.

How we added value

We used our expertise to create an interactive experience with minigames and songs at its heart that was true to the brand, playable by children aged 2 and up, using touch screen on the Switch alongside joycons.

The challenge
Help Outright Games make a console game for Bluey that preschool children could play alongside their siblings and parents, enabling them to feel they were in Bluey’s world, playing as their favourite characters. 

What we did
Three rounds of testing with preschoolers, their siblings and parents. Testing explored character design, what families wanted from a Bluey game, wayfinding, story mode vs free play, and co-play.

How we added value

Our findings showed that the game needed to focus on wayfinding, story and joyful moments. Navigation and instructions were made simple, with a sticker book. Playtesting with families emphasised the importance of multiplayer options and free play / sandbox options.

The challenge
The Head of Product at BBC Micro:bit wanted fast turnaround on 3 different UX tasks, in order to relaunch the onboarding and educator portal pages ready for the roll out of free BBC Micro:bit to all UK schools. 

What we did
Online video sessions with 8 teachers with different teaching and coding experience across the 4 nations. Some participants were assigned pre-tasks and others were asked to set up the micro:bit and prepare to teach a ‘live classroom’ while in the sessions. Playtest Games wrote the scripts and facilitated the sessions; Micro:bit UX team observed and took notes, as well as watching the videos later.

How we added value

Playtest Games facilitating the sessions took the pressure off the Micro:bit UX team, who could focus on the findings immediately. We changed the tasks in the later sessions based on initial feedback and were able to test new XD prototypes with later participants.