Hi guys,
I was wondering if you’d be able to let me know what improvements I should make to the UI? I feel that quite a lot of the graphics are excessive and a bit too colourful. Should I make it more minimalistic?
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ten-second-game/id1033677910?mt=8
Thanks
I think your feeling is right. Consider changing the backgrounds to solid colors, and make all of the lines thicker.
Thanks! The background is actually an image! Would that make a difference?
Also, what do you mean by thicker lines?
EDIT:
Soz, I thought you answered a diff question I had in mind.
Do you think the chemistry setup is over-the-top?
Yes, I think the chemistry setup is a bit over-the-top. It’s not necessary to the gameplay. What do you think of changing it to a solid color, and also changing the polka dots at the top to a solid color, too?
By thicker lines, I mean the lines that outline the arrows, meter, and stopwatch, as well as thickening the font. It makes it easier to read on small mobile devices.
Thanks a lot Tony! I’ll definitely take that into account!
Would bold text also do the trick (on top of the thicker outlines) or they best left untouched?
Yes, I think bold text would help, plus more use of Outline and Shadow. I’ve had good results with a solid black Outline combined with a 0.5 alpha Shadow offset (2,-2). The text really stands out.
Ohhh ok thanks! Do you have an example app that I could maybe have a look at for inspiration? Maybe one of your apps for me to download? 
I recommend looking at successful and/or critically-acclaimed games for inspiration, such as Monument Valley and Crossy Road. Notice that the surfaces are mostly solid, maybe with a subtle gradient.
Ahh I see what you mean. Wow Monument Valley looks amazing!
Also, what do you think of the gameplay of my app? Is it intuitive enough? What features would you suggest? e.g. global highscores will be added to the next update along with improved UI.
Global high scores and a leaderboard will be nice. Even better would be a way to compare scores only with your friends.
It’s intuitive, and the gameplay is very easy to get into, nice and simple. I suggest making the text panels opaque. Too many visual elements fight for dominance when you can see through the panels.
Similarly, make the text smaller and the stopwatch bigger, or at least a little higher up.
Also, consider changing the font to something more eye-catching. Sites like http://www.dafont.com/ have a lot of free fonts, many of which are free for commercial use. Before using a font, make sure the license lets you use it commercially.
Good luck with the app! I see that several reviewers say it’s very addictive. I imagine it could be very addictive if you compete with your friends, and it’s easy to pick up for a quick 10-second round.
Ahhh! So a facebook friends system? And even a share button?
By text panels, do you mean the ones in the local highscores?
The text? Which text do you mean? That’s a great idea. I’ll defo do that.
Thanks for that link. I’ll definitely have a look through them
You really do have an eye for UI design! Do you do it for a living? Thanks!
PS, would you also be able to leave a nice review pls? Thanks
I’m not normally in favor of social push notifications such as “Help me in Farmville” or “Join your friend in Mafia Wars”, but a simple ability to compare scores with friends would be nice for this game.
By text panels, I mean all of the panels that pop up with text, including the local highscores, but also the instructions panel. You shouldn’t be able to see the background image through the panel background. It makes it too hard to read the text.
I actually have a pretty bad eye for UI design. If any of these tips are useful, it’s because I’m just sharing recommendations that better artists gave me to fix my own UIs.
Ahh I’lldefo take a good look at that!
Ohhh!! I definitely see what you mean. I agree that the text is not very clear esp because the panels are see through.
Thanks a lot! You’re too modest
PS please also leave a nice review on the appstore Goes a long way thanks
Will do. I don’t have my iPad with me right now, but I’ll do it later today.
Consider posting your game on the Feedback Friday thread for even more feedback from mobile game design experts like @Gigiwoo .
lol a nice highly rated review would be nice. wink wink
Do you have any apps you’d like me to download for ya? and give 5 star reviews to?
Wow! I’d love to use that! I’ll probs list it there after the next pass of UI (using your suggestions). Any more review sites/forums you know?
Instead of bartering for high rated reviews - you should improve the game to get better reviews. The most important reviews are the ones that are not favorable - read these very closely and see if you can address any of the requested changes or design flaws, unless they are illegitimate or go against your design.
But since you asked nicely I will check out your game and give it an honest review based on how I like it.
@TonyLi - moonlighting as a UI critique specialist again huh! All good suggestions I thought.
I figure if it’s just dim moonlight, it’ll be harder for people to see how bad my artistic sense actually is.
Ok I checked out the game.
This is like a mvp - no real game after 2-3 attempts.
Click the button to start - click the button to stop.
To start with before even seeing the game I was force fed a video advertisement. Not good.
After that the game prompts for the user to input a name. I do and “play the game” which consists of clicking a button twice.
It always states new high score for some reason and asks for a high score name input? Why - didnt I just put my name in the game after watching the video advertisement?
Several design and marketing flaws in this experience which results in an instant uninstall. Not fun.
It is functional - but this isnt a game. It a functional button and a stop watch - with force fed ads.
I thought Id comment here instead of leaving a (0) star review on the game page.
It wouldn’t open on my old iPhone 4. Seems to be a common theme these days.