While at Nintendo Software Technology, I filled the shoes of two design roles. As a level
designer, I created multiple levels that I iterated upon and improved based on the feedback of
the other designers. I sought to create interesting puzzles with just the right amount of
challenge. While designing the levels, my process was to find interesting interactions that
involved mechanics or characters interacting with each other.
As a user experience designer, one of my largest tasks was to create and manage the game flow.
This document would be used by every person on the team, from animators to engineers, to keep
the project consistent and organized. The game being a remake, I also would help decide which
aspects of the original game should be kept and which should be updated to better fit in with
the qualities of modern Mario games.
Aside from these roles, I was given multiple opportunities to work on other aspects of the
game including working with UI artists to design the tutorial and with the localization team
to decide the game’s text and ensure all text in the game is consistent when translated. I was
also able to conduct user testing with a select group of players several times to evaluate and
gather feedback on my levels and tutorial, seeing how they interact with my creations
directly. Some other things I've done include developing storyboards for various game screens,
including results, controls, and bonus games, and designing prototypes for tutorial aesthetics
and functionality.
As a content designer, these experiences were invaluable to me as I got to help out in many
different places during my time at NST. I love wearing multiple different hats in a team and
getting to work with so many people in the other departments was not only enjoyable, but
educational to me.
