REBECCA MAGAR

VelocityX Desktop Application

Industry: Gaming / Computer hardware

PNY Technologies, Inc. was seeking to update their outdated Velocity-X GPU Overclocking software to go along with the release of their new 40 Series GPUs. The Windows desktop app would need to support existing features from the older app and would require an entirely new interface for controlling GPU RGB lighting effects. The app also needed an updated icon.

SKILLS & SOFTWARE

• UI/UX Design
• Wireframing
• Prototyping
• User Research
• Adobe XD
• Graphic Design
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop

Research

I began by conducting competitive analysis, studying YouTube tutorials, Reddit forum posts, and testing rival apps. This helped me grasp the software's nuances, uncover user pain points, and identify essential features. To validate my findings, I interviewed gamers in my network and used their insights to create user personas.

Parallel to user research, I delved into technical research, collaborating with PNY engineers. Together, we defined user flows and determined GPU functionalities, such as individually controlled lighting zones, overclocking capabilities, and multi-GPU support. This research highlighted the need for customizable options based on the specific GPU or workstation configuration and informed the final wireframes and app design.

SOME KEY FINDINGS

1. Graphics card software users are smart, technically savvy, and creative gamers who are accustomed to using Windows utility apps, and gaming interfaces.
2. The ability to save multiple lighting and settings profiles and easily switch between them is a key feature gamers look for in a GPU app.
3. The older version of the VelocityX app was not providing users with enough feedback to indicate if overclocking was exceeding safe levels.
4. Gamers prefer using apps in dark mode and show a preference for red and RGB color schemes.

Design

A flat black UI ensures a sleek and familiar experience for desktop gamers. The interface leaves room for the addition of future elements. By letting the desktop background subtly shine through an acrylic overlay, users can personalize the app without the need for app developers to create and maintain custom skins. We've reduced the use of eye-straining reds, using them as accents without compromising accessibility. Implementing monitor color grading now helps users spot unsafe levels swiftly, while bright glows on dark elements mimic the RGB features on the GPU hardware.