Game Library Website
Year
2025
Industry
Game Library
Role
Web design/Design Project Lead
WEBSITES TODAY OFTEN FEEL FEELING MINIMALISTIC AND DULL
While modern, uniform designs ensures usability, they have led to a lack of uniqueness and charm, leaving a lot of users yearning for a time when websites weren't so polished. Even with clunky navigation or unconventional interfaces, they carried a sense of discovery and joy that seems to be missing from a lot of modern UI. Users didn’t just visit them for information but instead to explore something intriguing. I recently stumbled upon a video discussing how the internet that used to feel like a place to explore has become something strictly transactional, leaving it soulless. Within this was a discussion where a community of gamers reflected on how modern websites have become monotonous, reminiscing about their favorite sites from the past with nostalgia. That sparked a question: Could I design something that recaptures the playful, immersive energy of older web experiences while still maintaining usability?
While modern, uniform designs ensures usability, they have led to a lack of uniqueness and charm, leaving a lot of users yearning for a time when websites weren't so polished. Even with clunky navigation or unconventional interfaces, they carried a sense of discovery and joy that seems to be missing from a lot of modern UI. Users didn’t just visit them for information but instead to explore something intriguing. I recently stumbled upon a video discussing how the internet that used to feel like a place to explore has become something strictly transactional, leaving it soulless. Within this was a discussion where a community of gamers reflected on how modern websites have become monotonous, reminiscing about their favorite sites from the past with nostalgia. That sparked a question: Could I design something that recaptures the playful, immersive energy of older web experiences while still maintaining usability?
While modern, uniform designs ensures usability, they have led to a lack of uniqueness and charm, leaving a lot of users yearning for a time when websites weren't so polished. Even with clunky navigation or unconventional interfaces, they carried a sense of discovery and joy that seems to be missing from a lot of modern UI. Users didn’t just visit them for information but instead to explore something intriguing. I recently stumbled upon a video discussing how the internet that used to feel like a place to explore has become something strictly transactional, leaving it soulless. Within this was a discussion where a community of gamers reflected on how modern websites have become monotonous, reminiscing about their favorite sites from the past with nostalgia. That sparked a question: Could I design something that recaptures the playful, immersive energy of older web experiences while still maintaining usability?
While modern, uniform designs ensures usability, they have led to a lack of uniqueness and charm, leaving a lot of users yearning for a time when websites weren't so polished. Even with clunky navigation or unconventional interfaces, they carried a sense of discovery and joy that seems to be missing from a lot of modern UI. Users didn’t just visit them for information but instead to explore something intriguing. I recently stumbled upon a video discussing how the internet that used to feel like a place to explore has become something strictly transactional, leaving it soulless. Within this was a discussion where a community of gamers reflected on how modern websites have become monotonous, reminiscing about their favorite sites from the past with nostalgia. That sparked a question: Could I design something that recaptures the playful, immersive energy of older web experiences while still maintaining usability?
HOW CAN I CREATE SOMETHING NOSTALGIC AND USABLE?
If I was going to create something for the nostalgic gamer, I would have to find a way to combine concepts of modern UI while incorporating features that made older websites stand out. Few modern sites manage to combine the emotional charm of older designs, with today’s standards of accessibility. Initially, I considered creating a design inspired by Windows 98 home screens. However, I scrapped this idea when I realized that I would be sacrificing my goal of good usability to push feelings nostalgia. It was after reflecting on my own gaming experiences that I started thinking about how the original Xbox console played a crucial part to my gaming background. That became my opportunity. The vision was to create a design for a website that would serve as an archive where users can discover new games and chat with others. To make these results more curated, I would add an option for the users to interact with a personality quiz that would assign them with a playing-style type and set their preferences. They could then use this information to meet other people with the same preferences, or to find games more curated to their tastes.
If I was going to create something for the nostalgic gamer, I would have to find a way to combine concepts of modern UI while incorporating features that made older websites stand out. Few modern sites manage to combine the emotional charm of older designs, with today’s standards of accessibility. Initially, I considered creating a design inspired by Windows 98 home screens. However, I scrapped this idea when I realized that I would be sacrificing my goal of good usability to push feelings nostalgia. It was after reflecting on my own gaming experiences that I started thinking about how the original Xbox console played a crucial part to my gaming background. That became my opportunity. The vision was to create a design for a website that would serve as an archive where users can discover new games and chat with others. To make these results more curated, I would add an option for the users to interact with a personality quiz that would assign them with a playing-style type and set their preferences. They could then use this information to meet other people with the same preferences, or to find games more curated to their tastes.
If I was going to create something for the nostalgic gamer, I would have to find a way to combine concepts of modern UI while incorporating features that made older websites stand out. Few modern sites manage to combine the emotional charm of older designs, with today’s standards of accessibility. Initially, I considered creating a design inspired by Windows 98 home screens. However, I scrapped this idea when I realized that I would be sacrificing my goal of good usability to push feelings nostalgia. It was after reflecting on my own gaming experiences that I started thinking about how the original Xbox console played a crucial part to my gaming background. That became my opportunity. The vision was to create a design for a website that would serve as an archive where users can discover new games and chat with others. To make these results more curated, I would add an option for the users to interact with a personality quiz that would assign them with a playing-style type and set their preferences. They could then use this information to meet other people with the same preferences, or to find games more curated to their tastes.
If I was going to create something for the nostalgic gamer, I would have to find a way to combine concepts of modern UI while incorporating features that made older websites stand out. Few modern sites manage to combine the emotional charm of older designs, with today’s standards of accessibility. Initially, I considered creating a design inspired by Windows 98 home screens. However, I scrapped this idea when I realized that I would be sacrificing my goal of good usability to push feelings nostalgia. It was after reflecting on my own gaming experiences that I started thinking about how the original Xbox console played a crucial part to my gaming background. That became my opportunity. The vision was to create a design for a website that would serve as an archive where users can discover new games and chat with others. To make these results more curated, I would add an option for the users to interact with a personality quiz that would assign them with a playing-style type and set their preferences. They could then use this information to meet other people with the same preferences, or to find games more curated to their tastes.
What do gamers miss, and what do they need today?
Gaming is a thriving hobby, with reports indicating that nearly two-thirds of people in the U.S. play regularly, and 78% of U.S. households own a gaming device. However, with this much growth in player bases and game releases, it has also been indicated that players are spending more time on fewer games. This is where websites like Game Library can shine, by highlighting relevant new titles and games that users might have otherwise missed. In order to design an experience that resonates with players, it's important to understand what motivates them. Research shows that rather than being motivated by one goal, gamers motivation behind playing varies significantly. Studies from Quantic Foundry, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), and MIDiA Research reveal that over half of gamers play primarily to unwind or have fun, while significant portions are motivated by competition, exploration, or story immersion. These insights highlight that these motivations likely stem from personality and playstyle. Meaning that it's safe to assume social players value community and interaction, while achievers thrive on progress and goals. Understanding this spectrum of motivations will help in creating a personalized experience for all kinds of gamers. By integrating personalized recommendations and social features, Game Library creates a space for players to rediscover what they love about gaming.
Gaming is a thriving hobby, with reports indicating that nearly two-thirds of people in the U.S. play regularly, and 78% of U.S. households own a gaming device. However, with this much growth in player bases and game releases, it has also been indicated that players are spending more time on fewer games. This is where websites like Game Library can shine, by highlighting relevant new titles and games that users might have otherwise missed. In order to design an experience that resonates with players, it's important to understand what motivates them. Research shows that rather than being motivated by one goal, gamers motivation behind playing varies significantly. Studies from Quantic Foundry, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), and MIDiA Research reveal that over half of gamers play primarily to unwind or have fun, while significant portions are motivated by competition, exploration, or story immersion. These insights highlight that these motivations likely stem from personality and playstyle. Meaning that it's safe to assume social players value community and interaction, while achievers thrive on progress and goals. Understanding this spectrum of motivations will help in creating a personalized experience for all kinds of gamers. By integrating personalized recommendations and social features, Game Library creates a space for players to rediscover what they love about gaming.
Gaming is a thriving hobby, with reports indicating that nearly two-thirds of people in the U.S. play regularly, and 78% of U.S. households own a gaming device. However, with this much growth in player bases and game releases, it has also been indicated that players are spending more time on fewer games. This is where websites like Game Library can shine, by highlighting relevant new titles and games that users might have otherwise missed. In order to design an experience that resonates with players, it's important to understand what motivates them. Research shows that rather than being motivated by one goal, gamers motivation behind playing varies significantly. Studies from Quantic Foundry, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), and MIDiA Research reveal that over half of gamers play primarily to unwind or have fun, while significant portions are motivated by competition, exploration, or story immersion. These insights highlight that these motivations likely stem from personality and playstyle. Meaning that it's safe to assume social players value community and interaction, while achievers thrive on progress and goals. Understanding this spectrum of motivations will help in creating a personalized experience for all kinds of gamers. By integrating personalized recommendations and social features, Game Library creates a space for players to rediscover what they love about gaming.
Gaming is a thriving hobby, with reports indicating that nearly two-thirds of people in the U.S. play regularly, and 78% of U.S. households own a gaming device. However, with this much growth in player bases and game releases, it has also been indicated that players are spending more time on fewer games. This is where websites like Game Library can shine, by highlighting relevant new titles and games that users might have otherwise missed. In order to design an experience that resonates with players, it's important to understand what motivates them. Research shows that rather than being motivated by one goal, gamers motivation behind playing varies significantly. Studies from Quantic Foundry, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), and MIDiA Research reveal that over half of gamers play primarily to unwind or have fun, while significant portions are motivated by competition, exploration, or story immersion. These insights highlight that these motivations likely stem from personality and playstyle. Meaning that it's safe to assume social players value community and interaction, while achievers thrive on progress and goals. Understanding this spectrum of motivations will help in creating a personalized experience for all kinds of gamers. By integrating personalized recommendations and social features, Game Library creates a space for players to rediscover what they love about gaming.
CREATING A SPACE THAT INVOKES FEELING AMONG USERS
The goal of this project was to create a space that uses the nostalgia of early gaming experiences to connect people and help them discover games they might be interested in. While visuals was a major focus, I wanted to extend beyond the interface and create an experience for the user that they really feel. Through the platforms design and intentionality, it aims to bring back that feeling of wonder that first made players fall in love with video games
The goal of this project was to create a space that uses the nostalgia of early gaming experiences to connect people and help them discover games they might be interested in. While visuals was a major focus, I wanted to extend beyond the interface and create an experience for the user that they really feel. Through the platforms design and intentionality, it aims to bring back that feeling of wonder that first made players fall in love with video games
The goal of this project was to create a space that uses the nostalgia of early gaming experiences to connect people and help them discover games they might be interested in. While visuals was a major focus, I wanted to extend beyond the interface and create an experience for the user that they really feel. Through the platforms design and intentionality, it aims to bring back that feeling of wonder that first made players fall in love with video games
The goal of this project was to create a space that uses the nostalgia of early gaming experiences to connect people and help them discover games they might be interested in. While visuals was a major focus, I wanted to extend beyond the interface and create an experience for the user that they really feel. Through the platforms design and intentionality, it aims to bring back that feeling of wonder that first made players fall in love with video games
A WEBSITE THAT FEELS LIKE IT’S FROM THE PAST BUT REIMAGINED FOR TODAY.
Visually, the project draws inspiration from the energy of early consoles and gaming equipment. I'm referring to the neon, radioactive green that Xbox and Razer were so well known for. The use of these similar green tones and grid patterns was an intentional choice to try and subtly invoke nostalgia without being forceful about it. I still wanted the design to look modern, drawing from games like Halo and Destiny with their polished designs and minimalistic fonts. These visual design choices created a correlation between the nostalgia of classic gaming and current design expectations.
Visually, the project draws inspiration from the energy of early consoles and gaming equipment. I'm referring to the neon, radioactive green that Xbox and Razer were so well known for. The use of these similar green tones and grid patterns was an intentional choice to try and subtly invoke nostalgia without being forceful about it. I still wanted the design to look modern, drawing from games like Halo and Destiny with their polished designs and minimalistic fonts. These visual design choices created a correlation between the nostalgia of classic gaming and current design expectations.
Visually, the project draws inspiration from the energy of early consoles and gaming equipment. I'm referring to the neon, radioactive green that Xbox and Razer were so well known for. The use of these similar green tones and grid patterns was an intentional choice to try and subtly invoke nostalgia without being forceful about it. I still wanted the design to look modern, drawing from games like Halo and Destiny with their polished designs and minimalistic fonts. These visual design choices created a correlation between the nostalgia of classic gaming and current design expectations.
Visually, the project draws inspiration from the energy of early consoles and gaming equipment. I'm referring to the neon, radioactive green that Xbox and Razer were so well known for. The use of these similar green tones and grid patterns was an intentional choice to try and subtly invoke nostalgia without being forceful about it. I still wanted the design to look modern, drawing from games like Halo and Destiny with their polished designs and minimalistic fonts. These visual design choices created a correlation between the nostalgia of classic gaming and current design expectations.
Moving forward.
Translating nostalgia into design is complex because it isn’t just about aesthetics, but about capturing a feeling. While I’m proud of the concept and ideation, I recognize that the vision still feels underdeveloped in areas. In revisiting this project, I would introduce more customization options so that users can tailor their profiles, themes, and experiences to their personal preferences. In the future, I plan to return to this project when I have expanded my knowledge of design and produced thorough user research. Overall, this project reminded me how powerful nostalgia can be when balanced with modern design principles, and how much opportunity still exists in designing spaces for users to reconnect with a side of the internet that they may believe to be lost.
Translating nostalgia into design is complex because it isn’t just about aesthetics, but about capturing a feeling. While I’m proud of the concept and ideation, I recognize that the vision still feels underdeveloped in areas. In revisiting this project, I would introduce more customization options so that users can tailor their profiles, themes, and experiences to their personal preferences. In the future, I plan to return to this project when I have expanded my knowledge of design and produced thorough user research. Overall, this project reminded me how powerful nostalgia can be when balanced with modern design principles, and how much opportunity still exists in designing spaces for users to reconnect with a side of the internet that they may believe to be lost.
Translating nostalgia into design is complex because it isn’t just about aesthetics, but about capturing a feeling. While I’m proud of the concept and ideation, I recognize that the vision still feels underdeveloped in areas. In revisiting this project, I would introduce more customization options so that users can tailor their profiles, themes, and experiences to their personal preferences. In the future, I plan to return to this project when I have expanded my knowledge of design and produced thorough user research. Overall, this project reminded me how powerful nostalgia can be when balanced with modern design principles, and how much opportunity still exists in designing spaces for users to reconnect with a side of the internet that they may believe to be lost.
Translating nostalgia into design is complex because it isn’t just about aesthetics, but about capturing a feeling. While I’m proud of the concept and ideation, I recognize that the vision still feels underdeveloped in areas. In revisiting this project, I would introduce more customization options so that users can tailor their profiles, themes, and experiences to their personal preferences. In the future, I plan to return to this project when I have expanded my knowledge of design and produced thorough user research. Overall, this project reminded me how powerful nostalgia can be when balanced with modern design principles, and how much opportunity still exists in designing spaces for users to reconnect with a side of the internet that they may believe to be lost.
More work
A showcase of digital products I’ve crafted for local businesses and personal projects
A showcase of digital products I’ve crafted for local businesses and personal projects
A showcase of digital products I’ve crafted for local businesses and personal projects
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