Project Description
What is PlayStation?
PlayStation is Sony’s flagship gaming brand, known for its consoles, exclusive titles, and global digital ecosystem. With services like PlayStation Network and PlayStation Plus, it delivers online play, digital content, and community experiences to millions of players worldwide.
Problem Statement
The PlayStation app update aimed to unify key features such as Messages, Friends, and community interactions, which were previously spread across separate apps. This consolidation improved user convenience and created a more seamless, streamlined experience.
Key Metrics & Targets
User Growth Target
Increase the PlayStation App user base from an estimated 33 million to 36.3 million (a 10% increase), reflecting improved adoption following the redesign.
Session Duration
Target: Boost average session length by 10–20%, indicating users are spending more time and finding more value in the app.
User Insights
While direct research access was limited, core user needs were already well understood, and the business had a clear objective: to unify all PlayStation services into a single app.
However, the core issues were well understood, and the business had a clear objective: to unify all PlayStation services into a single app. This approach not only aligns with user needs for a more seamless experience but also benefits developers by simplifying maintenance and accelerating feature rollouts.
Competitor Analysis
We examined three major gaming companies to identify common features across their apps. This analysis helped us understand key user journeys and establish baseline expectations for what a modern gaming app should offer.
Microsoft Xbox
The Xbox app includes features like friend statuses, messaging, an activity feed, video content, store access, and console integration.
Battle.net
The Battle.net app offers basic features like friend statuses and messaging but lacks many of the richer functionalities found in other gaming apps.
Steam
Wireframes & Card Sorting
Based on the outcomes, the basic layout of each screen was established, along with the essential content for each section.
This created a strong foundation for wireframing and ensured consistency across all key journeys.
Mobile Screens
Early Analytics
User Growth Target
Three months after launch, the PlayStation App user base has grown by 6%, increasing from 33 million to approximately 35 million. While just below the 10% target, the trend indicates positive adoption and continued growth potential.
Average session duration has increased by 12%, rising from 3 minutes 40 seconds to approximately 4 minutes 6 seconds. This suggests stronger user engagement and steady progress toward the 10–20% improvement target.
Next Steps
Continue Monitoring Performance: Regularly track key metrics like User Growth and session duration to ensure we are on track to meet the targets defined at the project's outset.
Support PS4 to PS5 Transition: Ensure a smooth transition for users moving from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, with minimal disruption to their app experience.
Integrate New Console Features: Prioritise adding new PS5 features to the app where feasible, ensuring users have access to the latest functionality on both platforms.
Align UI Across Platforms: Continue aligning the app’s UI with the PlayStation 5 system interface to create a consistent, seamless experience across devices.