For my final-year dissertation, I investigated how different onboarding approaches influence player understanding, engagement and progression. The project focused on identifying which onboarding methods best support new players and reduce confusion during the early stages of gameplay.

The research combined player feedback, behavioural analysis and comparative evaluation to better understand how onboarding design impacts the overall player experience.

Research Question

How do different onboarding approaches affect player understanding, engagement and progression?

My Role

• Designed and planned the research project
• Developed questionnaires and research materials
• Collected and analysed participant feedback
• Conducted behavioural and comparative analysis
• Produced evidence-based recommendations
• Presented findings through reports, presentations and academic posters

Methodology

• Mixed qualitative and quantitative research approach
• Survey and questionnaire design
• Comparative evaluation of onboarding approaches
• Behavioural analysis of player experiences
• Thematic categorisation of participant feedback
• Structured data collection and interpretation

Key Findings

• Players responded more positively to onboarding that provided gradual information rather than overwhelming tutorials.
• Clear guidance and progressive learning improved player confidence and understanding.
• Confusing onboarding experiences negatively affected engagement and willingness to continue playing.
• Players preferred learning through interaction and discovery when supported by clear visual and contextual guidance.

Recommendations

• Introduce information gradually rather than presenting everything at once.
• Reinforce learning through gameplay rather than lengthy tutorials.
• Use visual cues and contextual guidance to support player understanding.
• Reduce unnecessary complexity during the early stages of gameplay.
• Continuously gather player feedback and iterate on onboarding systems.

Skills Demonstrated

• Research Design
• Survey Creation
• Data Analysis
• Behavioural Analysis
• Player Research
• Presentation Skills
• Problem Solving
• Evidence-Based Decision Making

Future Case Studies

More case studies coming soon, including user testing, playtesting and feedback analysis conducted throughout my game development projects.