Mini-game Design
Neurohero: A Journey to Regeneration is a 2D platfomer mini-game designed to help empower players and bridge the knowledge gap caused by neurophobia (the fear of learning neurology), a common fear experienced by healthcare professional students.
My Role
Research lead, UI/UX assistant designer (7 member team)
Duration
2 weeks
Tools
Adobe Illustrator
Overview
Decrease neurophobia in healthcare professional students
Empower players and bridge the knowledge gap caused by neurophobia (the fear of learning neurology), a common fear experienced by healthcare professional students.
Combine elements of illustrated comics and a serious game.
The mini game depicts axon regeneration after a 3rd degree neurotmesis injury.
The storytelling occurs in a series of illustrated comic panels that give players the context while identifying key characters. The personification of cellular physiology is seen in the characters and interactable items found in-game. Playing as Nexus the fibroblast, players must collect Schwann cells in order to successfully regenerate the nerve. This accurately translates to real life scenarios as fibroblasts are cells that are responsible for healing nerve injuries by by guiding other cells (Schwann cells) to form connective tissue. Failure to do so results in failed neural regeneration.
Research
Weaving a story that mirrors the intricate physiological and cellular processes of life
Primary audience: healthcare professional students
Theme: Bridging the Gap
Priorities:
Learn about neurogenesis (the body's way of repairing damaged nerves) - key player would be a cell that oversees this process
Depict level of injury that would still allow for neurogenesis
Establish win and lose states
Summarize findings for team
Design
Wireframe
The following screens depict wireframe of the UI elements and UX design for the entire minigame, from the start screen to tutorial to Level 1 gameplay.
Results
Screen caps of the game.
Takeaways
UI/UX Game Design
Neurohero specifically depicts a 3rd degree neurotmesis (a peripheral nerve injury affecting the axon and endoneurium), but acts as proof of concept for application toward a wide variety of neural injuries. This project has allowed me to realize how UI/UX can impact game interfaces heavily and either add or detract from their experience. It's important to have these considerations in mind in order to create a positive experience for users.