Clutch Academy: Esports Training Hub
Over 2,000 members strong, Clutch Academy is an inclusive community dedicated to transforming gamers into competitors. Partnered with @Gamecoachgg, they offer top-tier coaching led by Onyx competitor and community educator, Clutch. their roster includes distinguished coaches, providing weekly live sessions, tactical analysis, and inclusive matchmaking for all skill levels. At Clutch Academy, they adapt to the evolving gaming landscape, helping gamers elevate their play with pro-level strategies.
01
Client Vision & Initial Consultation
In the initial meeting, I engaged with the clients to discuss their vision for the competitive ranking system. This consultation was essential to gain a clear understanding of their goals, target audience, and specific requirements. By aligning with their vision from the outset, I was able to ensure that the system I developed would meet their expectations and deliver the desired impact on the gaming community. This step also allowed me to identify potential challenges early on, ensuring a smoother development process.
02
Research & Concept Development
To ensure the competitive ranking system would be both innovative and aligned with the client’s vision, I conducted thorough research into existing ranking systems and designs used by other companies. This research allowed me to identify best practices and gather inspiration. I then curated a collage of elements that resonated with the client’s goals, blending successful features with unique concepts to create a foundation for the project. This step was crucial in visualizing the direction of the system and ensuring it would stand out while meeting the client’s expectations.
03
Ideations
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In this stage, I began sketching and designing basic icons and logos for the ranking system. To ensure the designs aligned with the client’s vision, I maintained constant communication throughout the process. This collaborative approach minimized the number of revisions and ensured the client was satisfied with each step of the design journey. By involving the client early and often, I was able to create visual elements that not only met their expectations but also enhanced the overall user experience.
04
Digital Design & Rank Progression
After finalizing a few initial sketches, I focused on designing the five main ranks that aligned with the client’s vision. Transitioning to digital design, I carefully crafted each rank’s iconography, using shapes and symbols to convey a narrative of progression. It was essential that each rank looked distinct and visually appealing, with each successive rank designed to be slightly more desirable. This approach was intended to motivate users to strive for higher ranks, adding an element of aspiration and excitement to the ranking system.
05
Design Presentation & Client Feedback
Once the rank designs were completed, I presented them to the client, providing a detailed explanation for each choice. I discussed the reasoning behind the selected shapes and colors, illustrating how they conveyed progression and aligned with the overall vision. This presentation was crucial for ensuring that the client understood the design concepts and felt confident in the direction of the project. By clearly communicating the thought process behind each element, I was able to secure client approval and maintain alignment with their goals.
06
Refinements & Final Adjustments
Thanks to the ongoing communication throughout the design process, there were minimal revisions needed. Aside from a few color adjustments, which the client requested to compare their color choices with mine, the designs were largely approved as presented. This smooth process highlighted the effectiveness of our collaboration and ensured the final product closely matched the client’s vision.
Challenges and Solutions
Balancing Aesthetics with Functionality: One of the main challenges was designing rank icons that were not only visually appealing but also conveyed a clear sense of progression. Each rank needed to be distinctive yet cohesive within the overall system.
Solution: To address this, I focused on using shapes and colors strategically. Each rank was designed with unique visual elements that told a story of progression, ensuring that higher ranks were more attractive and motivating. I continuously refined the designs based on feedback, ensuring they met both aesthetic and functional requirements.
Balancing Client Vision with Design Best Practices: There was a challenge in balancing the client’s specific vision with established design best practices, especially when the client’s preferences differed from conventional approaches.
Solution: To navigate this, I engaged the client in open discussions about the reasoning behind certain design principles, presenting evidence from successful case studies and examples. At the same time, I remained flexible, incorporating the client’s ideas where possible. This collaborative approach allowed us to find a middle ground that respected both the client’s vision and design best practices, resulting in a final product that was both effective and aligned with the client’s expectations.