AppLotto - engaging gamehub for the Japanese market
We translated the client's idea into the design of a functional mobile application - a gaming hub. We built from scratch the mechanics to increase user engagement and designed the full interface of the application, based on a unique graphic style.
AppLotto is a mobile gaming app that acts as an online gaming hub, allowing users to play with a chance to win real money.
The app engages users through features such as a customizable avatar (expandable), mini games, random rewards, and collectibles.
The client came to us with a general concept of the application — he had an idea, specific business goals and target audience, but he needed a partner to help him turn the idea into an existing digital product.
Reaserch/Badania
UX/UI
Design System
Information architecture
From concept to design
The client approached us with a general idea for an application - he already had defined business goals and a selected target group, but needed a partner to guide him through the entire design process: from detailing the vision to developing a complete product design.
At the initial stage, we conducted a workshop, during which we detailed the assumptions of the application together with the client, established key functionalities and user challenges. Then we proceeded to the research phase: we analyzed the competition, researched user needs and created the first UX concepts.
Based on this, we developed a complete information architecture, user path maps and low-fi mockups. After their approval, we moved on to the UI phase — we prepared the visual identification of the application, based on the visual style chosen by the client, the design of the interface and the final hi-fi mockups ready for implementation.
The result of our cooperation was a comprehensive design of the application, which not only met the initial expectations of the client, but also responded to the real needs of users and was ready for further stages - development and market launch.
Designing engaging mechanics
When designing AppLotto, we focused on the mechanics that support user engagement and retention. Among the implemented functions were:
- Player Avatar — Each user has their own character that competes with the “game avatar”. The avatar evolves as you progress, which reinforces the sense of progress and personalization.
- Pets (pet microavatars) — special pets that allow you to start the game with a higher win rate, introducing an additional element of strategy and collecting.
- Lootboxes — a daily prize chest and a draw of cards, which are based on the mechanisms of spontaneous purchases and build a daily habit of using the application.
- Gem Store — a virtual currency that can be used to expand your avatar or buy new Pets, which powers the micropayment system and monetization of the app.
These mechanics not only increase engagement, but also enable revenue generation through microtransactions, which is crucial in the mobile gaming market.
Sistema de diseño
The design system in AppLotto is built as a separate, comprehensive set of principles, components and guidelines that ensure visual and functional consistency of the entire application. The distinguishing feature of the system was the author's style based on haptimorphism — an approach that enhances the impression of physical contact with the interface by:
- Soft, three-dimensional forms and textures.
- Expressive tactile and sound effects, building immersion.
- Components designed for intuitive interaction and a high level of “tangibility”.
The design system included a whole library of UI elements (buttons, tabs, avatars, lootboxes), guidelines for color, typography, animation, and haptic and sound interactions. This allowed the design and development team to work faster, and the entire application maintained a consistent, recognizable character.
Effects and key achievements
User flow is a carefully planned sequence of steps that a user takes to achieve their goal in the application — in the case of AppLotto, this is participation in the game, avatar development, receiving prizes or making a purchase in the store. Each interaction was analyzed in terms of:
- Clarity of messages and expectations towards the user at every stage.
- Minimize the number of steps, taps and decisions required to complete the task.
- Balance between simplicity (quick access to the main functions) and engaging elements of the game (e.g. avatar development, receiving lootboxes).
- Optimize the path in terms of retention and monetization — so that the user intuitively goes to key places for the business (e.g. shop, daily rewards).
We conducted a number of usability studies that allowed us to optimize user flow and eliminate potential barriers to using the application. Testing with users allowed us to iteratively refine the product, which translated into higher player satisfaction and retention.
Effects and key achievements
We have translated the general vision of the client into a complete, functional application with a complete monetization system (shop, lootboxes, Pets, micropayments).- We have implemented a unique graphic style and original sound, conquering immersion and differentiating AppLotto from the competition.
- Usability research has improved the user journey and increased engagement. We have laid a solid foundation for further scaling of the application to Asian and global markets in the future.
Our team worked in a design model
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