Contextual learning without interrupting play
Overview
Overview
I redesigned how learning happens in-game by replacing text-heavy tutorials with a contextual, data-driven control hints system. The solution delivered guidance at the right moment, improved engagement, and scaled across core player activities.
Role
Led the initiative end-to-end
Designed the system architecture, interaction, data rules and motion design for cross-platform (PC, console)
Influenced in-game product strategy around in-game learning
Extended the design system to create a reusable framework across teams
Results
Launched in Oct 2025. Adopted across 20+ gameplay use cases and ~5% decrease in time-to-market.
Beta Playtesting Results
Players dropping off activities…
Players often skip long tutorials, miss important controls, and leave activities early. This gradually slows their progress in the game.
Research Insights
Player's Mental Model
Players prefer learning by doing, not by reading
Genshin Impact Game
Learning patterns in other games
Context-point help
Web UI guidelines (placement of hints for high & low grade TVs & desktops)
Information Structure in notifications & web widgets
Communicate imp. information in very small spaces, with minimal disruption
Few, high-confidence actions
Uber iOS notif
Figma toolbar
Idea
Text modals that explain how an activity works with controls before or outside of gameplay
Lightweight, contextual cues that surface only the controls a player needs, exactly when they need them
Challenge
Is it worth building 2mo before launch?
Iterations
For the sake of low-fidelity prototypes, I used a real activity (use-case) from the game -
Spectator Mode: Enables players to stay engaged in a match after death, preserving match completion and progression
Iteration #1
Screen Placement
✓ Clear, in-context guidance
𐄂 Localization risk (long strings, esp. in German)
𐄂 Interrupts gameplay visibility
Iteration #2
Screen Placement
✓ Avoids blocking core gameplay
✓ Easy to scan & follow through
✓ Lists can scale to 20+ activities
𐄂 Player has no motivation to collapse/hide hint
Motion Design
Bounce animation
𐄂 Too playful for our product's intense, immersive experience
Grow-in animation
✓ More on-brand
Final Widget
Scaling the system
As the system expanded, I introduced support for 20+ activities or use-cases,
Fishing
Unlock and support cooking progression
Riding
Core mode of mobility and exploration
Playing Music
Fosters connection with other players
