Terrarium

Overview
Terrarium is a mobile simulation game that allows players to build and manage a floating city with a focus on sustainable urban planning. Designed to educate through immersive play, the game challenges users to balance energy, population growth, and environmental factors while fostering a sense of responsibility and creativity.

My role included shaping game systems, user flows, and UI design, working closely with developers and sustainability researchers to ensure the game experience was both intuitive and impactful.

Objective
Design a playable prototype that:
1. Encourages systems thinking through interactive gameplay
2. Guides users in understanding sustainability trade-offs
3. Uses accessible UX to reduce onboarding friction for non-gamers

Approach
1. Player-Centric Design
We began with identifying player archetypes and their goals. User flows and wireframes were developed to support exploration, progression, and decision-making.

2. Game System Documentation
- Created and iterated on a buildables database outlining eco-units, zones, resources, and dependencies
- Developed a metrics system to visualize city health (e.g. energy use, pollution, population happiness)
- Collaborated with the game team to connect real-world data to gameplay mechanics

3. UI/UX Design
- Designed a minimalist and modular UI for mobile
- Built onboarding elements and tooltips to support educational layers
- Worked on accessibility and visual contrast for clarity on small screens

4. Prototyping & Testing
- Used Unity to integrate designs and test interactions
- Conducted playtesting sessions and collected feedback on intuitiveness, clarity, and enjoyment
- Iterated based on metrics: bounce rates, build patterns, confusion points

Outcome
1. Delivered a playable prototype accessible via web: View Demo →
2. Demonstrated strong early engagement and positive feedback on the educational aspect
3. Highlighted in academic settings and game showcases for innovation in purpose-driven gaming

What I Learned
Designing for games that teach requires a careful blend of guidance and exploration. Terrarium taught me how to simplify complex systems into understandable interactions while still giving users agency and fun.