The document proposes several designs for improving the user interface of an economic simulation game called SYMPHONY. The designs add more prominent notifications and alerts to keep users informed of market changes and goal progress. They also consolidate key policies and performance metrics onto central dashboard pages for easier monitoring and manipulation. In-game reports and statistics are expanded to provide more detailed overviews of users' economic management, finances, and competitive rankings over time. Contextual tutorials and tips are integrated to guide new users through game objectives and mechanics.

1. SYMPHONY
Design C

5. SYMPHONY
Design D

10. SYMPHONY
Design E

12. User can add new variables to keep
watch on.
News feed from the Macro
Economist in-game newspaper
Keyboard shortcuts
allow for quick jump
between key menus.
Alerts set up to
alert the user
when an
indicator reaches
a certain value
User Objectives can
be found on the left
side panel
Compact
metrics card for
each country
Ticker updates, depending on
player role (showing GDP ticker)
as player is Central Bank

14. Visual indicators of how a
government is doing
(measurement of GDP)
Policy effects card, shows the
user what negative and
positive effects may happen
Country comparison,
aiding the user’s decision.
In-game character to help the user through learning
the interface and achieving game objectives

16. Leaderboard of Best and Worst stocks.
Summary of the player’s
stock portfolio
Stocks can be added to help
the user monitor prices
Spread shows price change per step (day) also
volume. Player can also purchase stock from here.
News feed, can search via ticker symbol for latest
news about specific firms/banks/countries
Players who can play the stock
market will see a stock ticker

17. SYMPHONY
Design F

18. Main Screen

19. Main Screen
Chat has been
made more
prominent
SYMPHONY dashboard navigation integrated
News terminal added
to the bottom
All policies which the
player can effect now
display in one page
“home”

20. Main Screen – Manipulate Policy Instrument

21. Markets – Stock Market

22. Goal Overview

23. Goal Overview
Shows if goal has been complete, short goal description
and maximum amount of points that can be earned.
Takes user to Single
Goal View (next
slide)

24. Goal Single

25. Goal Complete
Players are ranked
by their
“Reputation”. The
better a player
does the more
reputation they
earn.
Goal competition
statistics.

26. Goal Failed

27. Goal Failed
Failing a goal will
cause the player to
loose reputation.

28. Achievement complete
When achievement condition is reached,
complete window pops up. None intrusive
window. Clicking on this will open the
Achievements window.

29. Achievements window

30. Did you know (useful tips)

31. End of Year Report - Performance

32. End of Year Report - Performance
End of year report
provides the
player an overview
of their
performance,
finances and an
overview of the
economy.
Shows player goal
progression.
Shows amount of
reputation earned
and lost over the
year.

33. End of Year Report - Finances

34. Main Screen – Primary tutorial
Welcome Governor and congratulations
on your new appointment as Head of the
Central Bank. As the Central Bank it’s your
task to keep the economy in shape.
Let’s begin by explaining some of the
monetary policy instruments you will have
to help you.
Let’s BeginSkip this