STEAM case study
for Beginners
디자이너 3인
- UI 디자인
- Figma 프로토타입
- 유저테스트
May - Jun 2024
(a month)
Overview
이 프로젝트는 Steam 플랫폼의 신규 사용자 경험을 개선하기 위한 학부 프로젝트입니다.
(1) 기존 디자인 시스템을 따르는 점진적 개선안과 (2) 새로운 레이아웃과 플로우의 new 개선안,
총 두 가지 프로토타입을 통해 사용자 경험을 향상시키는 데 중점을 두었습니다.
Steam이란?
Steam은 3,500만 명의 동시 접속자를 보유한 글로벌 비디오 게임 플랫폼입니다. 사용자들은 Steam의 상점에서 다양한 게임을 구매하고, 플레이할 수 있습니다. 또한 다른 사용자와 교류하고 실시간 방송과 듀토리얼 등 게임에 대한 정보를 얻을 수 있습니다.
Background
Steam의 복잡한 인터페이스로 인해, 신규 사용자는 초기 탐색에 어려움을 겪고, 이로 인해 이탈률이 높습니다.
- “처음 접속했을 때 무엇을 해야 할지 몰랐다”, “게임을 찾기 어려웠다” 등의 의견 다수
사용자에게 필요한 정보를 더 쉽게 제공하고, 개인 취향에 맞는 게임을 선택할 수 있도록 상점 페이지의 UX/UI 개선이 필요합니다.
Research
유저리서치 (DRM Method)
2주 동안 Steam 초보 유저 3인이 Steam 사용하며 모든 페인포인트를 실시간으로 기록하였습니다.국내의 경우 Steam 사용자 커뮤니티가 활성화 되지 않아 자체적으로 정성적 VOC를 발굴할 필요성이 있었습니다.
*일상재구성법 (Day Reconstruction Method, DRM)
참가자들이 자신의 일상 활동과 그 활동과 관련된 감정적 경험을 평가하는 질적 연구 방법
we collected over 200 individual pain points. These were then categorised by level of urgency and frequency.
Through this process, we discovered that the majority of pain points were concentrated on the Store Page—indicating a critical area of friction for first-time users.
Problem
Steam often recommends games without considering the user’s experience level, preferences, or playing history—resulting in mismatched suggestions, especially for first-time users.
2. Low readability and poor information hierarchy
The interface presents large amounts of information with minimal visual hierarchy, making it difficult for users to focus or scan effectively.
3. Redundant content and unhelpful explanations
Information is often duplicated across screens, while descriptions tend to assume prior knowledge—making it hard for beginners to understand features or take action.
Goal
The goal was to redesign STEAM as a platform that offers clear guidance and tailored recommendations for first-time users.
To achieve this, I proposed two distinct design directions:
- A system-aligned version that improves the existing interface gradually, while maintaining consistency with Steam’s current design language
- A more transformative version that introduces a new layout and user flow, allowing users to find, purchase, and launch games more quickly and confidently
Both directions were aimed at reducing the onboarding barrier for newbie users, making their first experience with Steam more accessible and user-friendly.
Solution
Solutions for 43 of the identified pain points from the overall list were incorporated into each improvement proposal
1. A system-aligned version
2. A more transformative version
Result
Usability Testing: Existing vs Redesigns
We conducted usability testing with 8 participants, comparing three interfaces:
- The original Steam interface
- A system aligned version
- A more transformative version
Participants included both heavy gamers and Newbie users.
Findings
- All participants responded positively to the gradual redesign.
- Newbie users showed a clear preference for the more transformative version, finding it more accessible and easier to navigate than the original interface.
- Heavy users appreciated the A system aligned version’s familiarity and visual improvements, but were more neutral toward the more transformative version.
More...
1. This project focuses on improving the experience for first-time users.
To see a redesign case targeting more advanced gamers, check out twhole project on Behance.
💻 View related work here
2. If you’re interested in how I addressed pain points beyond the store page, you can view additional examples at the following link:
👉 View adiitional painpoint & soloution here