Project Brief: Stephen Curran’s existing website, developed through a Fiverr resource, suffered from confusing navigation and excessive external linkouts, leading to a disjointed user experience with no clear call to action. With the impending nomination for the Conservative party’s MP candidacy, Stephen required a revamped, user-friendly website within a three-week timeframe to facilitate voter registration and engagement.

Solution: Leveraging an advanced WordPress template equipped with all necessary features, I spearheaded the website’s redesign to emphasize Stephen’s leadership and candidacy. The new design delivered a cohesive message about his qualities as a solid leader who connects with the audience. Beyond transferring the essential elements from the previous site, I introduced additional functionalities to enhance user experience, guiding visitors seamlessly to the registration page. With the advancement of new technologies and plugins, I was able to find and try different solutions to integrate the best features to meet the requirements of the site.

Learnings: The project involved reacquainting myself with WordPress, which had evolved significantly over the past seven years. Mastering its latest features was crucial for efficiently updating content on the template. Additionally, the template had its limitations, necessitating the use of custom CSS to achieve the desired aesthetic and functional customization.

Results: The revamped website was completed on time, ensuring a successful launch. The redesign dramatically improved the navigation and user experience, streamlining the user’s journey while presenting the narrative vital for Stephen’s campaign. This made it easier for voters to access registration and donation information, effectively supporting his nomination campaign. This was pivotal to his victory in the nomination contest.

Project Brief: Tech companies qualify for SRED (Scientific Research & Experimental Development) government rebates, but capturing the requisite details involves extensive tracking of development activities to identify eligible features. There was a need for an efficient system that seamlessly integrates with existing tools, facilitating continuous tracking rather than retrospective end-of-year documentation.

Solution: I engaged with key stakeholders to establish precise requirements and developed wireframes for a user-friendly logging system. This system can function independently or integrate with platforms like Jira, Github, Azure, etc., to automate and accurately document SRED-eligible activities.

Learnings: The project deepened our understanding of technologies qualifying for SRED rebates, enabling startups to reinvest in their app development through recovered funds.

Results: Tech firms were able to streamline SRED data entry, focusing more on development.

Project Brief: Neowiz based out of South Korea, saw the rise of social gambling on Facebook & the growing demand for games tailored to a specific audience. To ensure their games resonated with North American players, they partnered with us to build a suite of games.

Solution: Under a tight timeline, we designed and delivered three social casino slot games, each with a rich UI and a strong narrative. I met with stakeholders to gather requirements to creating concepts, direct the art team, manage scope as well as create assets for each game. All three games were successfully delivered within budget & time with immersive interactions.

Learnings: Under a tight timeline, we designed and delivered three social casino slot games, each with a rich UI and a strong narrative. I met with stakeholders to gather requirements to creating concepts, direct the art team, manage scope as well as create assets for each game. All three games were successfully delivered within budget & time with immersive interactions.

Results:  The games, featuring strong narratives and high-quality animations, excelled on Neowiz’s Facebook page. The interactions provide a strong narrative which attracted and engaged the targeted players.

Project Brief: Rocket Gaming Systems, an enterprise of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Business Development Authority, operates out of Grove, Oklahoma. The company specializes in designing, developing, and delivering slot-style casino games and cabinets, primarily serving Native American Tribe-owned casinos in the U.S., along with growing state-regulated markets. Renowned as a pioneer and leading manufacturer in Class II interactive electronic gaming systems and player stations, Rocket Gaming sought to further its reputation in the casino industry.

Solution: In response to Rocket Gaming’s request for a standout game, we developed an Egyptian-themed slot game centered on Isis, a significant deity in Egyptian mythology. Our comprehensive approach included:

1. Data Analysis and Terminology Understanding: Analyzing thousands of data elements and familiarizing with scientific terminology to ensure accuracy and relevance.
2. Workflow Structuring: Developing a well-organized workflow, breaking down the system into distinct processes for efficient DNA sample tracking. This restructuring also included capturing historical data for more intuitive user guidance.
3. Collaborative Workshops: Conducting workshops to critically analyze the workflow and develop wireframes, facilitating collaborative problem-solving and design ideation.
4. Efficient Redesign: Achieving a complete system redesign within one year, a significant improvement over the previous 2-3 years spent on redesign and requirements gathering.

Learnings:  The project demanded extensive coordination with cross-functional teams, encompassing aspects such as design, art assets, animations, sound/music, and sprite sheets, highlighting the importance of communication in complex game development.

Results: The “Magic of Isis” game emerged as a major revenue generator on casino floors. Its high-quality graphics, character design, and animations provided a deeply immersive experience with a compelling narrative, successfully keeping players engaged and entertained. This project not only reinforced Rocket Gaming’s position in the casino industry but also demonstrated our ability to create captivating gaming experiences.

Solution: My role was to spearhead the design of three socially-engaging casino slot games while managing a team of remote designers. The project required:

1. Creation of Immersive Experiences: Each game was designed to offer a rich and immersive user experience, featuring unique and captivating graphics and exciting bonus round picks supporting the narrative.
2. Comprehensive Design Involvement: I was actively involved in every phase of the game design process. This included:
   • Initial consultations with stakeholders to understand their vision and objectives.
   • Conceptualization of game themes and mechanics.
   • Direction and coordination with the art team to ensure aesthetic excellence.
   • Scope management to align the project with budgetary and timeline constraints.
   • Hands-on development of game assets, ensuring a cohesive and engaging visual narrative.
3. Efficient Project Execution: Managing multiple games simultaneously required meticulous attention to detail and effective time management.

Learnings: Delivering three high-quality games within a three-month period was a challenging endeavor. It demanded not only creative skills but also rigorous project management and the ability to maintain high standards under tight deadlines.

Results: The games, distinguished by their compelling narratives and superior animations, quickly became popular on Gamehouse’s Facebook platform. They exceeded expectations in user engagement and monetization, with specially designed bonus games further enhancing player revenue. The success of these games demonstrated not only the effectiveness of the design and management strategies employed but also set a new standard for social casino games on social media platforms.

Project Brief: Lululemon’s existing blog was underperforming, failing to align with user expectations and business objectives. The primary issues included a dated design, unclear navigation, and lackluster aesthetics, all contributing to poor user engagement, low adoption rates, and minimal impact on sales.

Solution: As the lead Product Manager, I spearheaded a comprehensive redesign of the blog to enhance user experience (UX), drive higher adoption, and boost sales. Key elements of the solution included:

1. Intuitive Navigation: Implementing user-friendly navigation to streamline user journeys.
2. Responsive Design: Ensuring seamless usability across various devices.
3. Information Architecture Reformation: Restructuring the blog’s layout for better information flow and accessibility.
4. Enhanced Layouts with Rich Media: Integrating rich media elements, quick access links, and clear calls-to-action to foster user engagement.
5. Optimized Social Sharing: Enhancing social sharing capabilities to broaden content reach and visibility.

Learnings: Effective daily collaboration and meticulous attention to detail were pivotal in the successful execution of this project.

Results: The redesigned blog significantly improved user engagement and conversion rates. Optimized layouts and enhanced readability led to a more enjoyable user experience. Additionally, the improved social sharing functionality expanded the blog’s reach, effectively bolstering Lululemon’s online presence and contributing to its digital marketing success.

Project Brief: Tasked with the groundbreaking challenge of transforming iWin’s popular “Jewel Quest” into a match-3 game suitable for the regulated gambling sector, we embarked on a project to blend skill-based gameplay with gambling norms – a fusion not previously achieved in the industry.

Solution:  To achieve this, we innovated a unique collecting mechanism within the game, making wins feel skill-driven but controlled by a mathematical model.

1. Innovative Collecting Mechanism: Developed a novel in-game collecting mechanism, ingeniously balancing skill-driven wins with a robust mathematical model to ensure regulated gambling compliance.
2. Innovation and Presence: Our approach was to infuse the game with unique and innovative gameplay elements. These features were meticulously crafted to make the game a standout in the crowded online gambling arena.
3. Compliance with Mathematical Models: Rigorous adherence to the mathematical models required for regulated gaming was paramount, ensuring that the game met all compliance standards while maintaining fairness and reliability.
4. Artistic Appeal: We focused on creating a visually stunning design and art style. The aesthetic was tailored to captivate players, encouraging prolonged engagement and thereby driving monetization.

Learnings: This venture highlighted our ability to creatively merge different gaming genres and delve into player psychology. We successfully preserved the skill-based essence of the game, harmonizing it with the stringent requirements of gambling regulations.

Results:The game’s launch was a resounding success, particularly in Asian markets, where its skill-based elements resonated strongly with players. This led to a strategic shift away from traditional base gameplay, positioning it as the first skill-based gambling game to achieve such acclaim. This success is a testament to our innovative design and strategic implementation, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of skill-based gambling games.

Project Brief: Boveda sought to develop TR1N1TY Trust, a pioneering digital service addressing the growing need for managing digital legacies. In an era where digital data is constantly evolving through social networking, eCommerce, and online videos, the concept of digital legacy has become increasingly significant. TR1N1TY Trust was envisioned as the world’s first “digital heartbeat” service, designed to monitor a user’s digital presence and alert their loved ones in cases of inactivity or distress. The service aimed to offer reassurance and proactive management of digital assets, ensuring they are securely transferred to designated contacts if necessary.

Solution: As the product manager, I led a thorough analysis of the competitive landscape to formulate a strategic roadmap. Key actions included:

1. Market Analysis: Investigating the competitive environment to identify market trends and user touchpoints.
2. Roadmap Development: Crafting a product roadmap with phased feature releases, aligning with stakeholder budgets.
3. MVP Identification: Determining the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to position TR1N1TY Trust effectively in the market.
4. Innovative Feature Design: Developing a unique tracking mechanism using cellphone devices, enabling the detection of user distress or inactivity without relying on conventional features.

Learnings: This project highlighted the versatility of cellphone device features, which we utilized to create a reliable method for monitoring user activity and triggering alerts to their loved ones.

Results: Our strategic approach resulted in a comprehensive product roadmap, detailed concept, and wireframes. These deliverables provided essential guidance for stakeholders and the development team, laying the foundation for the successful implementation of TR1N1TY Trust. This initiative not only positions Boveda at the forefront of digital legacy management but also demonstrates our commitment to innovative, user-centric solutions in the digital age.

Project Brief: Design and development of a distinctive online gambling game for Old Skool Studios that was engaging and had an innovative game that distinguished itself in the competitive online gambling market.

Solution:

1. Innovation and Presence: The game must feature unique and innovative elements that enable it to stand out in the vast online gambling landscape.
2. Compliance with Mathematical Models: Essential adherence to the mathematical models and frameworks required for regulated gaming, ensuring compliance and fairness.
3. Artistic Appeal: The design and art style of the game need to be visually striking, with the aim of attracting and retaining players, ultimately driving monetization.

Learnings: Supporting game features and the math model proved to be a challenge that allowed us to come up with innovative solutions for game play. These included using a pachinko mechanic for the gamble feature and the bonus wheel for the bonus game.

Results: A captivating and compliant online gambling game that effectively merges creative innovation with the necessary regulatory standards, while also achieving strong player engagement and monetization potential.

Project Brief: Odobo, a burgeoning platform for distributing game IPs to online gambling sites, collaborated with independent studios to forge innovative and unique gaming content that breaks away from the traditional mold of online casino games.

Solution: Develop a game with innovative features to include a gamble feature, unique bonus games that support the narrative.

1. Innovation and Presence: The project focused on integrating distinctive interactive elements that differentiate these games from standard slot offerings. This was achieved by introducing novel gameplay mechanics and user interactions, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
2. Compliance with Mathematical Models: A key aspect was ensuring strict compliance with the mathematical models required in regulated gaming. This adherence guaranteed not only legal compliance but also the fairness and reliability of the gaming experience, crucial in maintaining player trust.
3. Artistic Appeal: Emphasis was placed on creating visually captivating designs and art styles. This strategic focus aimed to engage players at first glance and maintain their interest, thereby driving monetization through sustained player involvement.

Learnings: The project’s journey involved tackling challenges related to game features and adherence to mathematical models. This process led to creative gameplay innovations, notably the integration of a bonus wheel and power switches, which provided an enriched and immersive bonus gaming experience.

Results: The efforts culminated in the development of ‘Epic City’, a game that received acclaim from reviewers for its distinctive, story-driven approach. This game stood out for its ability to captivate and engage players, marking it as a significant success in the realm of online casino gaming and demonstrating the efficacy of our collaborative and innovative approach.