An online game where users learn and play Sudoku

See the before and after versions of the online game.
Click each image for a larger version.

 

Analyzing the flow of tasks involved in playing Sudoku was a necessary part of the usability review. The result was a smoother playing experience and a more approachable game overall.

 

Project: Launch of Sudoku Solver
Services: Heuristic Evaluation/Usability Review
Deliverables: Usability Report, Wireframes

Visit Sudoku Solver

By evaluating a Sudoku Solver prototype, I was able to help Penny Publications by catching key usability issues and making recommendations which were implemented before the product’s launch to the public.

The Product: An online game for Sudoku players of all levels, from beginner to advanced. The game is meant to help players perform tasks that are difficult to do with the traditional paper medium, as well as provide assistance and tips when players want them.

The Method: A "heuristic evaluation" involves comparing a product against a set of commonly accepted guidelines for good usability. The "usability review" component employs the consultant's deep understanding of, and empathy for, users. For this tool, I first gathered information from the client including the tasks the users needed to be able to accomplish, some typical scenarios, and information about the target users. I also used to the tool to play Sudoku myself.

The Results: The early prototype had a number of serious issues including a lack of definitions for ambiguous terms and interaction design problems involving extra clicks for simple, repetitive actions. The tool also broke basic usability rules by lumping buttons together which perform very different kinds of actions, some of which could cause major problems if the user clicked them accidentally.

Improvements included grouping and labeling the buttons in a manner which supported the realistic use of the tool. The way the user plays the game itself was simplified, reducing time and clicks. Tool-tips and help were also added, explaining the terms and functions of the game to new users.  I created an in-depth usability report to explain all the issues, as well as wireframes to visually demonstrate the recommendations. The result: the successful launch of a fun, easy-to use game. Try it out!