Kexiang Tan

How to design a feedback mechanism to improve communication between players and developers during early stage of game development.

Abstract

This project explores how feedback mechanisms can improve communication between players and developers during the early stages of game development. It investigates why communication often fails by identifying issues such as fragmented feedback, unclear design priorities, and lack of player involvement. Using a combination of human-centred design, Lean Startup methodology, and service design thinking, the project develops a structured feedback loop consisting of four stages: Collect, Analyse, Apply, and Communicate. Through interviews, iterative prototyping, and journey mapping, the research builds a lightweight, testable framework that turns feedback into a continuous learning process. The goal is to create a more transparent, responsive, and collaborative development environment where feedback becomes a shared and meaningful part of game design.

  • The purpose of this phase was to investigate communication breakdowns in game development by conducting interviews and platform research. This phase revealed that fragmented and ineffective feedback was a key obstacle, which reshaped my focus toward service design and clarified the direction of my platform. This shift also helped me move beyond surface-level UI concerns and identify deeper systemic needs.

  • The purpose of this phase was to prototype the platform tools and explore solutions for early-stage communication issues. This phase revealed that my initial concept was too broad and lacked a focused service design goal. It helped me realise the importance of narrowing scope into a minimum viable product to test feasibility and maintain clarity.

  • This phase focused on building a structured feedback loop using four core tools, helping me shift to a human-centred perspective and test core ideas through minimal viable components which form the foundation for developing the platform prototype.

  • Artefacts

  • Select Bibliography

    Archer, GR (2018), A brief overview of The Lean Startup by Eric Ries (2011), SSRN, Accessed 2 November 2025. https://ssrn.com/abstract=3217403

    Ries, E (2011), The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses, Crown Business, New York.

    Faisal,S (2025), How to create a feedback loop: step-by-step guide + best practices, Userpilot, Accessed 2 November 2025. https://userpilot.com/blog/how-to-create-a-feedback-loop/