AIMLABS XBOX PORT

Background

Aimlabs was originally created as a PC only aim trainer that gave users the tools and analytics to improve at first person shooter games. While users that play on PC represent a large percentage of FPS players, there was a sizable audience that exclusively play on console. At the time of launch there was a huge opportunity to be first to market in the console aim training space that we wanted to take adavantage of.

Goals

Our primary priority when porting Aimlabs to Xbox platforms was retaining all of the features our PC users had come to rely on while cutting unnecessary and frustrating navigation. We also wanted to add features that promote user retention and growth that were not found on PC like a mission system and customizable playlists.

Challenge

Controller navigation is the number one hurdle to overcome when porting any project to console. Aimlabs original navigation was created with PC users in mind and needed to be completely reworked to break a reliance on mouse navigation. We also needed to go through deep analysis to determine what features could be cut to create a leaner, more usr friendly experience without stripping away what made Aimlabs the number one aim trainer on Steam.

My Impact

I was originally given the role of illustrating the work bench that is featured in the main lobby. However as the project grew in scope I created new screens such as the playlist selection an training tab, as well as ideating and refining the lobby and top navigation.

The Lobby

The Aimlabs Xbox lobby represents a complete shift in prioritization from its PC counter part. We took great care to create a new, more inviting and open space for players to look forward to seeing on their aim training journey. Gone are the cluttered analytics graphs from the PC lobby and in its place is the new work bench, where users can customize their space with the cosmetics they've collected. We also created an entirely new mission system to encourage guided progress, and a streak counter to build good training habits and retention.

For long time fans, power users and those who want to jump in for quick sessions we implemented a new quick play button. This button can be customized with any recently played task so users can get to their training faster without navigating any menus.

The "work bench"

When we first started market research on console based contemporaries we noticed a trend that featured a player avatar in the lobby. Aimlabs has no characters or avatars but we wanted to feature something in that space that the user has ownership of, thus the creation of the work bench.

The work bench idea came from us visualizing what a player might find them selves doing in a real world "aim lab". We thought, maybe they're reconfiguring a fire arm, applying a new cosmetic to a target, or viewing aim analytics on a monitor.
These functions are all available in traditional interfaces throughout Aimlabs but we felt strongly about including diegetic design that console users would resonate with.

My original concept was created with the PC aimlabs branding in mind. A gritty, well loved table that has been put through its paces over years of use and aim training progress. This concept was well received but ultimately revised in favor of a cleaner, more futuristic style of work bench that more closely aligned to the design of the console port as it developed.

I created both work bench designs in Adobe illustrator, and later handed them off to an external team to be recreated in blender.

FTUE

The first time user experience on Xbox features both new and old ideas. Much like Aimlabs PC users still choose their game(s) of choice to tailor their aim training experience. However, now they are able to customize their experience from the get go by making a selection from a small pool of cosmetic choices.

PC users also have the freedom to make these changes but on console we opted to make put the feature front and center to educate users with a gentle hand instead of letting them figure it out over time or worse by accident.

Training tab

The Training tab on Aimlabs PC was the most highly criticized screen by our users. They found the navigation frustrating and it confused new users on how best to go about aim training on their own. We we're excited to start fresh and offer a new, streamlined training tab that trims the fat from PC.

Users now have a selection of aim tasks that are grouped in tagged categories that are easily searchable. They are also able to keep tabs on favorite tasks with a pin to home and favorite function.

Playlists

We set out to make Aimlabs playlists function much like you would expect on a music streaming service. Users are able to easily slot their favorite tasks into customizable playlists, as well as explore themed Aimlabs created playlists.

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