Expert users and a global survey told us what players wanted from a profile
We reached out to expert users first, streamers and community forum moderators, with the help of our community manager. We then ran a survey with users globally to see how important the different features were to a broader audience, and used those results to prioritize what to focus on next.
Card sorting turned a long feature list into three clear priorities
With a set of prioritized features, we ran a card sorting exercise where we asked users to organize and rank the features that mattered most to them. Three things rose to the top: a space to showcase in-game accomplishments and stats, tools for connecting and playing with friends, and control over their privacy. These became the core of the design.
Co-designing with users shaped what the profile would feel like
Rather than presenting options, we ran co-design workshops with different groups of users. Using printed paper templates, post-its, and pens, we asked them to design their ideal profile together. Three themes came through consistently: expressing their identity as a player, showing their achievements, and having ways to connect with friends. This fed directly into our first wireframes.
The co-design work convinced management to fund a full development team and expand scope to PlayStation, Xbox, and mobile, turning what started as a PC feature into a cross-platform product.
A dedicated privacy test answered a question we could not resolve internally
As we were wireframing, we found a specific design challenge around privacy that needed more user input. We ran a focused usability test on the privacy design alone. It was received well, and while we got some minor feedback, we felt confident to move forward.
A pre-launch usability test gave us confidence to ship
As the design was reaching the finish line, we ran a usability test to validate that it achieved what we had set out to do. We tested both the first release and a concept with future additions. Both were appreciated, and with only small fixes needed, we felt ready to go.
The profile quickly became one of Ubisoft Connect's most appreciated features
We released first on the PC and console overlay and started gathering analytics and running follow-up interviews. It quickly became one of the most appreciated features on the platform. We later released on the PC desktop client and mobile as well.
