PORTFOLIO • Startup Founder
Runar Match
Discover my approach to team creation and how I launch startups in this showcase of the first iteration of the Runar App.
My Startup Responsibilities
As the Startup Founder, I have overseen the development of the Runar Game. This has involved many roles, including Product Owner, Visionary, Team Coach and Supervising Manager. I have also supported the development of mentees as Product Design & Product Management Mentor.
Learn more about the project, its processes and our approach below.
Runar Game Product Team features a Product Manager, Game Designer & Producer, Game Artists, UX/UI Designer and Development Team mentor. Since the start of the project, this group has worked on Runar Game product vision, concept, game mechanics, narrative & internal economics.
Learn more about the project, its processes and our approach below.
Runar Game Product Team features a Product Manager, Game Designer & Producer, Game Artists, UX/UI Designer and Development Team mentor. Since the start of the project, this group has worked on Runar Game product vision, concept, game mechanics, narrative & internal economics.
Runar Match Details
Runar Match
The Runar Match is a Match-3 mobile game built around Scandinavian mythology story. Its' narrative drives player through the ancient Sagas and Rune magic usage. An interactive game, it invites you to experience new insights about the Sagas through gameplay and having fun.
Currently, Runar Match is on the concept design & development stage.
Will be available on Android and iOS both.
Will be available on Android and iOS both.
How We Developed the Runar Game
Product Design Process
This section provides an overview of the Design Process Stages
that supported development of the Runar App.
that supported development of the Runar App.
Discovery
The Discovery Phase involved research, competition analysis and consumer audience development. This phase involved the following steps:
We worked collaboratively with Game Designer/Producer, Game Artist, Product Manager and Runar App team on the Define Phase. During this stage we worked on the main concept, game mechanics and detailed idea, art concept and designed Runar Game information architecture.
To achieve this we used the following processes:
To develop a concept for the Runar Game visual design, we undertook the following processes:
Using the two final color schemes, we developed two application concepts. From these concepts, we chose a dark theme for the ultimate design. Having agreed the design, we developed it further using the following steps:
The Development phase is not started yet
The Discovery Phase involved research, competition analysis and consumer audience development. This phase involved the following steps:
- Researched Scandinavian traditions, runes and the meaning of their layouts.
- Completed competitor analysis for iOS and Android.
- We used the Jobs to be Done framework to define, categorize, capture and organize customer needs. This approach helped us identify competitors, as the application is targeted at a very broad audience.
We worked collaboratively with Game Designer/Producer, Game Artist, Product Manager and Runar App team on the Define Phase. During this stage we worked on the main concept, game mechanics and detailed idea, art concept and designed Runar Game information architecture.
To achieve this we used the following processes:
- Created a Mind Maps for Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in Miro.
- Created Runar Game low fidelity wireframes and documentation in Balsamiq, Miro and Google Docs.
To develop a concept for the Runar Game visual design, we undertook the following processes:
- The Designer created mood boards based on the Product Owner's & Game Gesigner's vision and requirements. This involved creating a design with natural materials matching those used for ancient runes. Designs were of wood, stone and animal fur.
- We developed six possible color schemes.
- Following review, we settled on two color schemes, one light and one dark. We took these into the Conceptual Design phase.
Using the two final color schemes, we developed two application concepts. From these concepts, we chose a dark theme for the ultimate design. Having agreed the design, we developed it further using the following steps:
- Developed a clickable, high-fidelity prototype based on the dark theme.
- We then tested the prototype with real users and received feedback.
- Reviewing the feedback, we refined the design and addressed identified issues.
The Development phase is not started yet
Design Tools Used
During every stage of development, from ideation to quality assurance, we used a range of apps and services. We chose these platforms to promote collaboration, making sure everyone had an overview of progress and their tasks.
I've listed our applications below:
I've listed our applications below:
Miro
Miro is an online whiteboard and visual collaboration platform, ideal for teams working remotely. We used this tool to create mind maps, user flows, wireframes and click models for the app. This collaborative software allowed us all to comment on proposals and development decisions. Miro helped promote an innovative ideation phase.
Adobe Photoshop
We used Adobe Photoshop to develop the app's visual content and bitmap assets. While various "modern" app design tools can be used in place of Photoshop, most do not stand up to the power and versatility of this program.
Figma
Figma is an online interface development and prototyping tool. It allows real-time collaboration between teams. We used it to create the app's mockups and prototypes.
It also supported the delivery of assets and mockups to the Development Team.
Miro is an online whiteboard and visual collaboration platform, ideal for teams working remotely. We used this tool to create mind maps, user flows, wireframes and click models for the app. This collaborative software allowed us all to comment on proposals and development decisions. Miro helped promote an innovative ideation phase.
Adobe Photoshop
We used Adobe Photoshop to develop the app's visual content and bitmap assets. While various "modern" app design tools can be used in place of Photoshop, most do not stand up to the power and versatility of this program.
Figma
Figma is an online interface development and prototyping tool. It allows real-time collaboration between teams. We used it to create the app's mockups and prototypes.
It also supported the delivery of assets and mockups to the Development Team.
Development Process – TBD
Runar Match - Team Management Process
Throughout the development of the Runar Game, we have aspired to adopt an exemplary approach to team management. This materialized as a self-governing team, like commercial startups in real world settings. We achieve this by ensuring that everyone within the team always has a clearly defined role and area of responsibility.
The team works as an organism and the success of our product depends on the contribution of each participant.
During the project, I've promoted transparency and worked to make sure everyone has a valuable experience. For this healthy team interactions have been fundamental. This required team structures that promote the fluid exchange of information and roles that encourage flexibility. Ultimately, this has helped team members achieve their assigned tasks.
For improved interactions, we used an adapted Scrum framework. This has in turn supported KPI improvements. At present, our adapted Scrum involves the following events:
As a startup committed to our people's well-being, we don't operate on sharp task deadlines.
The team works as an organism and the success of our product depends on the contribution of each participant.
During the project, I've promoted transparency and worked to make sure everyone has a valuable experience. For this healthy team interactions have been fundamental. This required team structures that promote the fluid exchange of information and roles that encourage flexibility. Ultimately, this has helped team members achieve their assigned tasks.
For improved interactions, we used an adapted Scrum framework. This has in turn supported KPI improvements. At present, our adapted Scrum involves the following events:
- Daily status meetings
- Backlog Refinement / Grooming Meetings (when necessary)
- Weekly demos
As a startup committed to our people's well-being, we don't operate on sharp task deadlines.
Team Management and Communication Tools
To facilitate teamwork and the oversight and organization of tasks, we use the following tools:
Trello
We use a Trello Board to track the project's status, providing a breakdown of all outstanding tasks and responsibilities. Each team member has their own area of the board, where their tasks are tracked. This has promoted transparency throughout the development process.
Telegram & MS Teams
The messaging software is we use for the team's conversations. Using team-wide group conversations allows us to discuss technical options and design decisions together.
This ensures that everyone is up to speed and engaged in the project.
Google Workspace
We use Google services for team video calls and to create and share project documentation.
We use a Trello Board to track the project's status, providing a breakdown of all outstanding tasks and responsibilities. Each team member has their own area of the board, where their tasks are tracked. This has promoted transparency throughout the development process.
Telegram & MS Teams
The messaging software is we use for the team's conversations. Using team-wide group conversations allows us to discuss technical options and design decisions together.
This ensures that everyone is up to speed and engaged in the project.
Google Workspace
We use Google services for team video calls and to create and share project documentation.
Do you want to learn more about the Runar Game or the Development Team?
Or are you interested in my Startup Management Expertise?
Or are you interested in my Startup Management Expertise?
Andrei Tarasevich
© 2022 | Andrei Tarasevich
Contact me
Want to hire me as a full-time Design Manager?
Or need me as a consultant contractor?
I'd be delighted to hear from you!
Or need me as a consultant contractor?
I'd be delighted to hear from you!
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