Viva La Dungeon!

Viva La Dungeon! is a project that’s deeply rooted in adaptive UX thinking and iterative design, where I’m continuously refining the experience in real time based on active feedback from both an audience and a dedicated test group. This game show concept pushes the boundaries of what an interactive experience can be by integrating rapid testing and audience co-creation into the development process.

The essence of my approach lies in designing alongside the players. Instead of relying solely on a fixed, top-down strategy, I’m engaging directly with users to co-develop game mechanics, narrative elements, and user interfaces (like character sheets and game aids). This player-driven design process allows me to experiment with ideas, collect immediate feedback, and make informed changes that improve the game’s usability and enjoyment. It's an agile, user-centered method that prioritizes real-world testing over theoretical assumptions.

For example, during sessions, I closely observe how players interact with the game’s interface elements, whether physical or digital. I look for any friction points, moments of confusion, or where the fun starts to wane. By staying receptive to feedback in the moment—whether it’s about the complexity of a game mechanic, the intuitiveness of the game aids, or the pacing of the adventure—I can tweak and iterate on the fly. This might mean simplifying rules that felt cumbersome, enhancing visual elements for better comprehension, or adjusting the difficulty curve to better match players' expectations.

The collaborative aspect of Viva La Dungeon doesn’t stop at the mechanics; it extends to the story and world-building. Players' choices and feedback actively shape the evolving narrative, which keeps them engaged and invested. This participatory design enhances immersion and fosters a sense of ownership among the audience, making the game feel both responsive and personal.

In essence, Viva La Dungeon is a living, breathing UX project. It’s about crafting an experience that grows and adapts in real time, guided by genuine user feedback and continuous iteration. This design philosophy ensures that the final product isn’t just theoretically enjoyable but is proven to be engaging and intuitive through rigorous and hands-on user testing. The process is a testament to how adaptive, user-centered design can elevate an interactive experience, creating a game that’s not only fun but finely tuned to the needs and preferences of its players.