August - September 2024
My Role
Product & Interaction Designer: Prototyping, UI/UX Design, Interaction & Mobile Design
TYPE
Passion Project, Conceptual
Timeline
1 Month
Overview
Stardew Fields is a cozy Bingo-inspired add-on for Stardew Valley, designed to give players rewards at their own pace, whether they’re completionists or just playing casually.
This was a solo project where I focused on intentional design decisions that shape player experience, highlight meaningful rewards, and a goal of creating a playful, engaging plus without overwhelming the player.
A Reward for every Harvest.
Designed for players who enjoy taking things slow, complete a tile whenever you like, and earn a small reward each time.
Choose Your Season, Start Your Journey
Players can start a new game or continue from a saved one. Each board corresponds to the in-game season they’re currently in, keeping the experience connected to their Stardew Valley progress.
Bigger Rewards for a Challenge.
For players who crave a tougher quest, complete five in a row in any direction to unlock bigger rewards.
When players reach later stages of Stardew Valley, the rhythm that once felt cozy starts to slow down. There's less to achieve, fewer goals to pursue, and less motivation to return.
How might we bring a fresh, cozy twist to classic Bingo, making it engaging for Stardew Valley players, whether they play slowly or seek a tougher challenge?
Fun fact, Bingo traces back to a fair in Jacksonville, Georgia, where toy salesman Edwin S. Lowe discovered it before popularizing it in New York.
Stardew Valley is a farming and life simulation game where players restore their grandfather's farm, grow crops, build relationships, and create a life at their own pace.
Players can begin a new journey or continue an existing one.
Players start, choose a season, and complete small, seasonal tasks that mirror Stardew’s natural rhythm of progress and reflection.
Drawing from Stardew Valley’s charming pixel aesthetic, the interface was designed to feel cozy, intuitive, and true to the game’s spirit.
Familiar in-game elements like icons, textures, and color palettes were utilized to create a sense of continuity, while refining layouts for clarity and usability.
Play. Pause. Return.
To be able to save and play later draws on Stardew Valley's belief that progress grows at your own pace.
Working within Time Constraints sharpened Focus
A one-month timeline taught me to prioritize what mattered most. It allowed me to scale the idea down to its core and executing it with quality and intent.
Designing with a Purpose
Rooting the experience in Stardew Valley’s belief that progress grows at your own pace reminded me that thoughtful systems aren’t rushed but they evolve alongside playerrs.
Designing for all Players
Balancing casual and dedicated player audiences reminded me that thoughtful systems adapt to users pace, not the other way around.
