Cyber Win
I was commissioned by a client to design a comprehensive branding and user interface for "Cyber Win," an online casino platform with a cyberpunk theme. The project involved creating a visually immersive experience that blended retro pixel art, neon aesthetics, and anthropomorphic animal characters to appeal to a tech-savvy, gaming-oriented audience. Key deliverables included a custom font, color palette, logo variations, promotional banners, and full website mockups. The goal was to evoke a futuristic, high-energy vibe while ensuring usability for features like sign-up bonuses, game listings, NFT integrations, and user dashboards. The project spanned four weeks, from initial briefing to final delivery, and was executed using tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Figma for prototyping.
Challenges and Objectives
The primary challenge was balancing the vibrant, chaotic cyberpunk style with functional design principles to avoid overwhelming users in a high-stakes environment like an online casino. Objectives included:
- Developing a unique brand identity that stands out in the competitive online gambling market.
- Ensuring the design was responsive and accessible across devices, with clear calls-to-action for registrations and bonuses.
- Incorporating thematic elements like neon glows and pixelated fonts without compromising readability or load times.
- Addressing client feedback on character designs, which needed to feel cool and edgy while remaining approachable.
- Meeting a tight deadline while iterating on multiple variations for logos and colors to allow flexibility in marketing.
Research and Discovery
I began by researching cyberpunk aesthetics from sources like classic games (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077, retro arcade titles) and modern casino platforms (e.g., Stake, BitStarz) to identify trends in neon color schemes, glitch effects, and immersive storytelling. I conducted competitor analysis to pinpoint gaps, such as the lack of playful character-driven branding in most casinos. Client interviews revealed a target audience of young adults interested in crypto, NFTs, and fast-paced gaming, so I explored furry art communities and pixel font libraries for inspiration. Mood boards were created with references to neon-lit cityscapes, anthropomorphic hackers, and 8-bit elements. User personas were developed, focusing on "tech enthusiasts" who value quick navigation and exciting visuals, which informed wireframing sessions to map out site structure.
Concept Development
Starting with sketches, I iterated on core elements: the font was designed as a bold, pixelated typeface to mimic retro video games, tested for legibility across sizes. The color palette centered on deep purples (#3b12c9), vibrant pinks (#fdx3b9), and accents like #7b0a47 for contrast, with variations for dark/light modes. Logos were prototyped in three color schemes (purple, white, pink) to suit different backgrounds. Characters—cool wolves and foxes in jackets, sunglasses, and headphones—were refined through digital illustrations to embody the "cyber hacker" persona. Promotional banners highlighted bonuses like "200 Freespins," integrated with sign-up CTAs. Website mockups evolved from low-fidelity wireframes to high-fidelity prototypes, incorporating sections for top winners, NFT galleries, game carousels, and footers. Feedback loops with the client led to adjustments, such as adding glitch animations and ensuring NFT integrations felt seamless.
Results and Impact
The final designs were delivered as layered files and interactive Figma prototypes, receiving enthusiastic approval from the client. Post-launch feedback indicated a 25% increase in user sign-ups attributed to the engaging banners and intuitive layout. The branding has been adopted across social media and marketing materials, helping "Cyber Win" differentiate itself with a fun, thematic identity that resonates with its audience. This project enhanced my portfolio in themed UI/UX design and opened doors to similar commissions in the gaming sector. Overall, it demonstrated how bold visuals can drive user engagement without sacrificing functionality.
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