Killer Cuisine
12 Weeks
overview
The challenge was to design an app that encourages exploration and engagement, while keeping users immersed in the story. The goal was to make navigating the city, visiting restaurants, and solving the mystery feel seamless and enjoyable, all within a cohesive, narrative-driven experience.
Challenges
This project was developed solo over six weeks, and it was my first experience using Figma. Time and technical constraints limited the fidelity of sensory data simulation and the depth of user testing. Representing geolocation and interaction with restaurants required creative workarounds, and iterative improvements were largely based on informal testing and feedback.
Research & Insights
I began by exploring different thematic directions — Art, Design, Music, Food, and History — before settling on a murder mystery set in Melbourne’s restaurant scene. User testing with friends provided early feedback on navigation, tutorial clarity, and task completion, confirming the importance of intuitive flows and clear progression. The narrative loop was refined to keep users engaged, gradually revealing clues and guiding players through different locations while incorporating the sensory and interactive elements of the app.
Outcome
The final prototype features a footer navigation system that makes switching between screens easy, with clear visual cues for active sections. Iterative refinements ensured that signing up, completing tutorials, selecting difficulty, and progressing through locations was simple and enjoyable. The murder mystery narrative kept users engaged, while the food exploration component encouraged real-world interaction and discovery. The app successfully combines storytelling, gameplay, and geolocation in a way that feels cohesive and immersive.
Reflection
Killer Cuisine taught me the value of iterative testing, storytelling, and designing with the user’s journey in mind. Even with technical limitations and tight deadlines, a strong concept combined with thoughtful design decisions can create an experience that is both engaging and meaningful for the audience.