Mix-n-Magic Minigame

Design Challenge: Make a minigame that encourages monetization

The concept here was to create a minigame for the Pogo.com site that would be fun, sticky, and rewarding. We also wanted to build a system that encouraged monetization, but worked without it.


Step 1: Requirements, Research, Ideation

I partnered with a product manager and discussed dozens of ideas. What kind of game did we want to make? What kind of rewards? Why would our players keep playing it? What kinds of minigames would we play repeatedly, if any?


Step 2: Define User Flow, Identify Key Screens

We developed a theme and the core game loop for a card-flip concept. Next I defined the user flow, and determined key screens to wireframe.


Step 3: Create a User-Centric Experience

Next, I created wireframes of key screens. The screen below shows the rollover state of a flipped card.

View wireframe in new window


Step 4: Prototype & Usability Testing

To help test sizing on small resolutions and to facilitate in-house user-testing, I created a click-through prototype. This was helpful to explain the concept and to test art styles. The click-through nature of prototype allowed easy art swaps.

View prototype in InVision


Step 5: Launch & Feature Support

The game was an immediate success! Now, nine months after launch, it still keeps players interested and monetizes well. The theme of "Mix-N-Magic" fostered an incredible amount of creativity for the collection mechanic game loop.

Note: The final art shown here was created by the Pogo art team, not me.

View final art