Team Switch:
Members: Elizabeth Travia, Elina Jaska, Max Gong, Rhen Fowler, Priscilla Garcia
What I Did: My team came together in order to find a solution for the popular Nintendo ‘Switch’ controller. Several members of my group were already well versed on how the controller functions and where potential improvements could be made. Upon further research, through methods such as IDEO cards, surveys, and even first hand watching experienced players use the controller and take note of where restrictions came about. The main flaw that we noticed surrounding the ‘Switch’ was the lack of player communication. Players were found to be most frustrated with the lack of ability to play with one another when not in a shared space. While this would completely uproot Nintendo’s overall set up of the console, we developed a solution that would allow for players to connect with one another through an online application.
Timeline: January 2024 - April 2024
Scroll ↓
How Might We
How might we create a system that can connect switch users?
User Research Summary
We found that of the twenty individuals who were surveyed 60% said that they preferred the Switch console to other popular gaming consoles and that about half of users preferred to play the Nintendo Switch with other players and not by themselves. However, a larger majority found that they prefer to play by themselves simply because it is easier than trying to connect with other players as it is difficult to accomplish when not in a close proximity.
Key Takeaways
The Joy-Cons lack hand support and tend to be of lower quality. It makes it difficult for players to switch back and forth between controllers when adapting to new consoles. We also found that trying to play online with other players is difficult and requires players to be in close proximity. There is no microphone communication and when streaming the program can become incredibly slow.
Hero Image
An online application that allows for Nintendo Switch players to connect with each other in close proximity and team up to play.
Motivation
The primary draw to this topic and to this solution came from my own experiences with Nintendo. I grew up on the Wii where my sister and I would spend an unhealthy amount of time in the basement playing Wii sports or other popular Nintendo application. However, there was never a way to play with others or even my sister once she had gone away to college. With the development of this application we were able to solve an issue that puts distance between players in order to bring back the connectivity that is developed through the game.
Persona/Infographic
Journey Map
Wireframe
User Flow Diagram
Pain Points
Using a blue style allows for the users to enter a calm environment when gaming and hopefully foster strong community
It would be more helpful to see how many users are already in active gaming events and whether or not they have been capped off