Project:

PlayStation Direct

vision:

PlayStation Direct will meet the consumer where they are: at the console and beyond through organic points of exploration, sale, delivery, and services. Direct will control PlayStation's destiny though direct to gamer sales platform for hardware, accessories, content, and merchandise.

Problem:

PlayStation aimed to launch their own trusted channel for selling physical goods, leveraging data from their platforms to enhance the gamer experience on PlayStation Direct. To achieve this, they sought to modernize their platform, setting the stage for future success by implementing modern integrations, architecture, and content management systems, empowering them to evolve the MVP and expand upon it.

Approach:

Armed with insights from interviews, diligent research, and a clear vision for PlayStation Direct, our team embarked on a design adventurer. We kicked things off by conjuring up some Experience Principles rooted in the goals of SIE stakeholders, gleaned from interviews and feasibility studies. Next up? We crafted end-to-end customer journeys that embody those principles, setting the stage not just for day one, but for all the future bells and whistles. From there, it was all about building a system of page templates, components, and information architecture that would make the gaming gods proud. And of course, no adventure is complete without a healthy dose of user testing and stakeholder feedback to keep us on our toes.

my role:

I collaborated closely with PlayStation product leads and owners to ensure that the MVP remained true to the PlayStation brand and experience. Working with a large cross-functional team, including stakeholders from supply chain integrations, marketing, accounts, retail, and brand, we jointly stood up this new platform through extensive collaboration. I also had the responsibility to give strategic direction to our product designer as well as being an individual contributor.

deliverables:

End-to-End Journeys

Experience Playbook

Ecommerce Page & Compoent Templates

team:

Sam Caplan

Design Manager

Michaela Morris

Engagement Manager

Vincent Gonska

Lead Designer

Tim Wong

Designer

Project:

PlayStation Direct

vision:

PlayStation Direct will meet the consumer where they are, at the console and beyond through organic points of exploration, sale, delivery, and services. Direct will control PlayStations destiny though direct to gamer sales platform for hardware, accessories, content, and merchandise.

Problem:

PlayStation aimed to launch their own trusted channel for selling physical goods, leveraging data from their platforms to enhance the gamer experience on PlayStation Direct. To achieve this, they sought to modernize their platform, setting the stage for future success by implementing modern integrations, architecture, and content management systems, empowering them to evolve the MVP and expand upon it.

Approach:

Armed with insights from interviews, diligent research, and a clear vision for PlayStation Direct, our team embarked on a design adventurer. We kicked things off by conjuring up some Experience Principles rooted in the goals of SIE stakeholders, gleaned from interviews and feasibility studies. Next up? We crafted end-to-end customer journeys that embody those principles, setting the stage not just for day one, but for all the future bells and whistles. From there, it was all about building a system of page templates, components, and information architecture that would make the gaming gods proud. And of course, no adventure is complete without a healthy dose of user testing and stakeholder feedback to keep us on our toes.

my role:

I collaborated closely with PlayStation product leads and owners to ensure that the MVP remained true to the PlayStation brand and experience. Working with a large cross-functional team, including stakeholders from supply chain integrations, marketing, accounts, retail, and brand, we jointly stood up this new platform through extensive collaboration. I also had the responsibility to give strategic direction to our product designer as well as being an individual contributor.

deliverables:

End-to-End Journeys

Experience Playbook

Ecommerce Page & Compoent Templates

team:

Sam Caplan

Design Manager

Michaela Morris

Engagement Manager

Vincent Gonska

Lead Designer

Tim Wong

Designer

Project:

PlayStation Direct

vision:

PlayStation Direct will meet the consumer where they are, at the console and beyond through organic points of exploration, sale, delivery, and services. Direct will control PlayStations destiny though direct to gamer sales platform for hardware, accessories, content, and merchandise.

Problem:

PlayStation aimed to launch their own trusted channel for selling physical goods, leveraging data from their platforms to enhance the gamer experience on PlayStation Direct. To achieve this, they sought to modernize their platform, setting the stage for future success by implementing modern integrations, architecture, and content management systems, empowering them to evolve the MVP and expand upon it.

Approach:

Armed with insights from interviews, diligent research, and a clear vision for PlayStation Direct, our team embarked on a design adventurer. We kicked things off by conjuring up some Experience Principles rooted in the goals of SIE stakeholders, gleaned from interviews and feasibility studies. Next up? We crafted end-to-end customer journeys that embody those principles, setting the stage not just for day one, but for all the future bells and whistles. From there, it was all about building a system of page templates, components, and information architecture that would make the gaming gods proud. And of course, no adventure is complete without a healthy dose of user testing and stakeholder feedback to keep us on our toes.

my role:

I collaborated closely with PlayStation product leads and owners to ensure that the MVP remained true to the PlayStation brand and experience. Working with a large cross-functional team, including stakeholders from supply chain integrations, marketing, accounts, retail, and brand, we jointly stood up this new platform through extensive collaboration. I also had the responsibility to give strategic direction to our product designer as well as being an individual contributor.

deliverables:

End-to-End Journeys

Experience Playbook

Ecommerce Page & Compoent Templates

team:

Sam Caplan

Design Manager

Michaela Morris

Engagement Manager

Vincent Gonska

Lead Designer

Tim Wong

Designer

Casestudy

Casestudy

Casestudy

Check it Out:

The casestudy video—a quick peek at the whole shebang. Sony's brass used it to bring their team up to speed on the project's ins and outs, while the Deloitte crew flashed it to woo potential clients.

Even though I specialize in product design, I tapped into my art direction, video editing, and motion design skills to give this video some spice.

Check it Out:

The casestudy video—a quick peek at the whole shebang. Sony's brass used it to bring their team up to speed on the project's ins and outs, while the Deloitte crew flashed it to woo potential clients.

Even though I specialize in product design, I tapped into my art direction, video editing, and motion design skills to give this video some spice.

Check it Out:

The casestudy video—a quick peek at the whole shebang. Sony's brass used it to bring their team up to speed on the project's ins and outs, while the Deloitte crew flashed it to woo potential clients.

Even though I specialize in product design, I tapped into my art direction, video editing, and motion design skills to give this video some spice.

Principles & Goals

Principles & Goals

Principles & Goals

Stakeholder Goals

Armed with snacks and hefty doses of caffeine, we dove into workshops and interviews with stakeholders across the PlayStation ecommerce workstreams. We wrangled their wants, needs, and goals, tossing them into the mix like ingredients in a wild gaming potion. This brew helped concoct our experience principles, guiding us through the maze of pixels and possibilities.

Stakeholder Goals

Armed with snacks and hefty doses of caffeine, we dove into workshops and interviews with stakeholders across the PlayStation ecommerce workstreams. We wrangled their wants, needs, and goals, tossing them into the mix like ingredients in a wild gaming potion. This brew helped concoct our experience principles, guiding us through the maze of pixels and possibilities.

Stakeholder Goals

Armed with snacks and hefty doses of caffeine, we dove into workshops and interviews with stakeholders across the PlayStation ecommerce workstreams. We wrangled their wants, needs, and goals, tossing them into the mix like ingredients in a wild gaming potion. This brew helped concoct our experience principles, guiding us through the maze of pixels and possibilities.

Minimum Great Experience

Categories that make sense

Easy Nav

it has to be fast

Let gamers compare & research

Quick to check out

High speed, low clicks

Make it easy

The gamers & competition won’t wait

It has to feel modern

Leverage analytics from consoles

Purchase path needs to be very easy

It has to be scalable

Gamers are the focus of the experience

Communicate & be transparent

Sell all PlayStation assets on direct

Experience Principles

When hashing out our Experience Principles, we ditched the typical "buyers who game" view and instead put on our "gamers who buy" goggles. Because let's face it, we're here to cater to the controller-clutching crowd, not just the credit card swipers.

Experience Principles

When hashing out our Experience Principles, we ditched the typical "buyers who game" view and instead put on our "gamers who buy" goggles. Because let's face it, we're here to cater to the controller-clutching crowd, not just the credit card swipers.

Experience Principles

When hashing out our Experience Principles, we ditched the typical "buyers who game" view and instead put on our "gamers who buy" goggles. Because let's face it, we're here to cater to the controller-clutching crowd, not just the credit card swipers.

Gamer-Centric

Gamers aren't just individuals—they're part of a vibrant community, united by shared experiences.

Gamer-Centric

Gamers aren't just individuals—they're part of a vibrant community, united by shared experiences.

Gamer-Centric

Gamers aren't just individuals—they're part of a vibrant community, united by shared experiences.

Gamer-Centric

Gamers aren't just individuals—they're part of a vibrant community, united by shared experiences.

Gamer-Centric

Gamers aren't just individuals—they're part of a vibrant community, united by shared experiences.

Matter

Ensure features, services, and content showcases are tailored to what are gamers care about.

Matter

Ensure features, services, and content showcases are tailored to what are gamers care about.

Matter

Ensure features, services, and content showcases are tailored to what are gamers care about.

Matter

Ensure features, services, and content showcases are tailored to what are gamers care about.

Matter

Ensure features, services, and content showcases are tailored to what are gamers care about.

Data-Enhanced

Each gamer has a unique journey. Data structures and aggregation turn raw data into actionable insights.

Data-Enhanced

Each gamer has a unique journey. Data structures and aggregation turn raw data into actionable insights.

Data-Enhanced

Each gamer has a unique journey. Data structures and aggregation turn raw data into actionable insights.

Data-Enhanced

Each gamer has a unique journey. Data structures and aggregation turn raw data into actionable insights.

Data-Enhanced

Each gamer has a unique journey. Data structures and aggregation turn raw data into actionable insights.

Level Up

Gently but consistently nudging gamers towards additional purchases as they browse or revisit the site.

Level Up

Gently but consistently nudging gamers towards additional purchases as they browse or revisit the site.

Level Up

Gently but consistently nudging gamers towards additional purchases as they browse or revisit the site.

Level Up

Gently but consistently nudging gamers towards additional purchases as they browse or revisit the site.

Level Up

Gently but consistently nudging gamers towards additional purchases as they browse or revisit the site.

Shoppable

Focus on storytelling and brand experience to create value for our gamers and PlayStation. 

Shoppable

Focus on storytelling and brand experience to create value for our gamers and PlayStation. 

Shoppable

Focus on storytelling and brand experience to create value for our gamers and PlayStation. 

Shoppable

Focus on storytelling and brand experience to create value for our gamers and PlayStation. 

Shoppable

Focus on storytelling and brand experience to create value for our gamers and PlayStation. 

Fast & Frequent

Enhance and streamline transactions for diverse customer segments and purchasing preferences.

Fast & Frequent

Enhance and streamline transactions for diverse customer segments and purchasing preferences.

Fast & Frequent

Enhance and streamline transactions for diverse customer segments and purchasing preferences.

Fast & Frequent

Enhance and streamline transactions for diverse customer segments and purchasing preferences.

Fast & Frequent

Enhance and streamline transactions for diverse customer segments and purchasing preferences.

User Segmentation

User Segmentation

User Segmentation

We scoped out six target segments but really threw our chips in with the connoisseurs. These high rollers represent just 15% of our audience but splash out 24% of the cash. Since they're the trendsetters, impressing them was do-or-die for our big debut.

We split these six segments into three affinity groups that stick to the usual segmentation playbook but with a twist, slicing even finer between those using PlayStation to hit the 'escape' button.

We scoped out six target segments but really threw our chips in with the connoisseurs. These high rollers represent just 15% of our audience but splash out 24% of the cash. Since they're the trendsetters, impressing them was do-or-die for our big debut.

We split these six segments into three affinity groups that stick to the usual segmentation playbook but with a twist, slicing even finer between those using PlayStation to hit the 'escape' button.

We scoped out six target segments but really threw our chips in with the connoisseurs. These high rollers represent just 15% of our audience but splash out 24% of the cash. Since they're the trendsetters, impressing them was do-or-die for our big debut.

We split these six segments into three affinity groups that stick to the usual segmentation playbook but with a twist, slicing even finer between those using PlayStation to hit the 'escape' button.

Spearfishers
Spearfishers
Spearfishers

Connoisseurs

The trendsetting pioneers, the vocal advocates or critics, and the fiercely passionate and demanding gamers who push boundaries.

Connoisseurs

The trendsetting pioneers, the vocal advocates or critics, and the fiercely passionate and demanding gamers who push boundaries.

Connoisseurs

The trendsetting pioneers, the vocal advocates or critics, and the fiercely passionate and demanding gamers who push boundaries.

Specialists

These are the elite gamers, honing their skills in a select few games or genres, relentlessly striving for mastery.

Specialists

These are the elite gamers, honing their skills in a select few games or genres, relentlessly striving for mastery.

Specialists

These are the elite gamers, honing their skills in a select few games or genres, relentlessly striving for mastery.

Explorers
Explorers
Explorers

Friendly Rivals

Social butterflies of the gaming world, these players cherish connecting with friends through their gaming adventures.

Friendly Rivals

Social butterflies of the gaming world, these players cherish connecting with friends through their gaming adventures.

Friendly Rivals

Social butterflies of the gaming world, these players cherish connecting with friends through their gaming adventures.

waverers

habitual gamers, creatures of comfort and flexibility, driven by routine and the familiar.

waverers

habitual gamers, creatures of comfort and flexibility, driven by routine and the familiar.

waverers

habitual gamers, creatures of comfort and flexibility, driven by routine and the familiar.

Noobs
Noobs
Noobs

Indulgers

the lone wolves of gaming, drawn to narrative-driven experiences and unbothered by the need to keep pace with the crowd.

Indulgers

the lone wolves of gaming, drawn to narrative-driven experiences and unbothered by the need to keep pace with the crowd.

Indulgers

the lone wolves of gaming, drawn to narrative-driven experiences and unbothered by the need to keep pace with the crowd.

Dabblers

These seasoned console veterans now reserve their gaming sessions for social gatherings, embracing the controller when the occasion demands it.

Dabblers

These seasoned console veterans now reserve their gaming sessions for social gatherings, embracing the controller when the occasion demands it.

Dabblers

These seasoned console veterans now reserve their gaming sessions for social gatherings, embracing the controller when the occasion demands it.

End to End Journeys

End to End Journeys

End to End Journeys

We crafted detailed journey maps for each segment, acting as treasure maps to navigate PlayStation's eCommerce goals. They also gave the Technology and Supply Chain teams a starting point. Starting with hardware commerce flows, we expanded our adventures from there.

This is just a sneak peek at the mountain of work that went into crafting these journeys. There's plenty more to unpack during a case-study walkthrough if you're up for it ;)

We crafted detailed journey maps for each segment, acting as treasure maps to navigate PlayStation's eCommerce goals. They also gave the Technology and Supply Chain teams a starting point. Starting with hardware commerce flows, we expanded our adventures from there.

This is just a sneak peek at the mountain of work that went into crafting these journeys. There's plenty more to unpack during a case-study walkthrough if you're up for it ;)

We crafted detailed journey maps for each segment, acting as treasure maps to navigate PlayStation's eCommerce goals. They also gave the Technology and Supply Chain teams a starting point. Starting with hardware commerce flows, we expanded our adventures from there.

This is just a sneak peek at the mountain of work that went into crafting these journeys. There's plenty more to unpack during a case-study walkthrough if you're up for it ;)

Example Journeys
Example Journeys
Example Journeys

Moodboards

Moodboards

Moodboards

PlayStation was itching for a makeover, so we whipped up two mood boards to see which direction tickled their fancy. The immersion concept aimed to recreate that cozy feeling of being in a theater or huddled in a dark room, lost in your favorite game—a sort of "theater mode," if you will. Meanwhile, the lifestyle concept aimed to shine a spotlight on gaming culture, both on and off the screen, opening up a whole new world of gaming vibes.

PlayStation was itching for a makeover, so we whipped up two mood boards to see which direction tickled their fancy. The immersion concept aimed to recreate that cozy feeling of being in a theater or huddled in a dark room, lost in your favorite game—a sort of "theater mode," if you will. Meanwhile, the lifestyle concept aimed to shine a spotlight on gaming culture, both on and off the screen, opening up a whole new world of gaming vibes.

PlayStation was itching for a makeover, so we whipped up two mood boards to see which direction tickled their fancy. The immersion concept aimed to recreate that cozy feeling of being in a theater or huddled in a dark room, lost in your favorite game—a sort of "theater mode," if you will. Meanwhile, the lifestyle concept aimed to shine a spotlight on gaming culture, both on and off the screen, opening up a whole new world of gaming vibes.

PlayStation was itching for a makeover, so we whipped up two mood boards to see which direction tickled their fancy. The immersion concept aimed to recreate that cozy feeling of being in a theater or huddled in a dark room, lost in your favorite game—a sort of "theater mode," if you will. Meanwhile, the lifestyle concept aimed to shine a spotlight on gaming culture, both on and off the screen, opening up a whole new world of gaming vibes.

Immersion
Immersion
Immersion
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Lifestyle

Concepts

Concepts

Concepts

Lifestyle

In bringing the lifestyle concept to life, we dialed up the style factor by highlighting accessories and clothing, giving PlayStation Direct a fashion-forward vibe. Picture lots of white space and sleek typography for that extra touch of sophistication.

Lifestyle

In bringing the lifestyle concept to life, we dialed up the style factor by highlighting accessories and clothing, giving PlayStation Direct a fashion-forward vibe. Picture lots of white space and sleek typography for that extra touch of sophistication.

Lifestyle

In bringing the lifestyle concept to life, we dialed up the style factor by highlighting accessories and clothing, giving PlayStation Direct a fashion-forward vibe. Picture lots of white space and sleek typography for that extra touch of sophistication.

Immersion

With the immersion concept, we dimmed the lights and cranked up the visuals to make game graphics pop. We designed UI patterns featuring cards with elements breaking out of boundaries, adding a dynamic visual flair to the mix.

Immersion

With the immersion concept, we dimmed the lights and cranked up the visuals to make game graphics pop. We designed UI patterns featuring cards with elements breaking out of boundaries, adding a dynamic visual flair to the mix.

Immersion

With the immersion concept, we dimmed the lights and cranked up the visuals to make game graphics pop. We designed UI patterns featuring cards with elements breaking out of boundaries, adding a dynamic visual flair to the mix.

direct.playstation.com

direct.playstation.com

direct.playstation.com

direct.playstation.com

direct.playstation.com

direct.playstation.com

Templates & Components

Templates & Components

Templates & Components

One of our key accomplishments was establishing components flexible enough to bend, but not so loose that content authors could wreak havoc on brand or experience cohesion. PlayStation Direct is essentially a versatile box of LEGO bricks, ready to build all sorts of cool stuff and tell endless tales with crystal clarity.

We designed three main page types, each utilizing 15 distinct global components, in addition to a persistent navigation header and a global footer shared with primary Playstation.com.

One of our key accomplishments was establishing components flexible enough to bend, but not so loose that content authors could wreak havoc on brand or experience cohesion. PlayStation Direct is essentially a versatile box of LEGO bricks, ready to build all sorts of cool stuff and tell endless tales with crystal clarity.

We designed three main page types, each utilizing 15 distinct global components, in addition to a persistent navigation header and a global footer shared with primary Playstation.com.

One of our key accomplishments was establishing components flexible enough to bend, but not so loose that content authors could wreak havoc on brand or experience cohesion. PlayStation Direct is essentially a versatile box of LEGO bricks, ready to build all sorts of cool stuff and tell endless tales with crystal clarity.

We designed three main page types, each utilizing 15 distinct global components, in addition to a persistent navigation header and a global footer shared with primary Playstation.com.

One of our key accomplishments was establishing components flexible enough to bend, but not so loose that content authors could wreak havoc on brand or experience cohesion. PlayStation Direct is essentially a versatile box of LEGO bricks, ready to build all sorts of cool stuff and tell endless tales with crystal clarity.

We designed three main page types, each utilizing 15 distinct global components, in addition to a persistent navigation header and a global footer shared with primary Playstation.com.

Screen Designs

Screen Designs

Screen Designs

To flex the muscle of our components and page templates, we decked them out with all sorts of content to showcase their versatility and rock-solid consistency. With detailed documentation on which elements are customizable, dynamic, or set in stone, these examples became the go-to playbook for our engineering squads. Armed with this knowledge, they were ready to build the rock-solid CMS and authoring platform that PlayStation deserved.

To flex the muscle of our components and page templates, we decked them out with all sorts of content to showcase their versatility and rock-solid consistency. With detailed documentation on which elements are customizable, dynamic, or set in stone, these examples became the go-to playbook for our engineering squads. Armed with this knowledge, they were ready to build the rock-solid CMS and authoring platform that PlayStation deserved.

To flex the muscle of our components and page templates, we decked them out with all sorts of content to showcase their versatility and rock-solid consistency. With detailed documentation on which elements are customizable, dynamic, or set in stone, these examples became the go-to playbook for our engineering squads. Armed with this knowledge, they were ready to build the rock-solid CMS and authoring platform that PlayStation deserved.

This is the end.

You've hit rock bottom of this page—literally, there’s nowhere else to scroll. But hey, our little journey doesn’t need to end here. Take a gander at some of my masterpieces. Seen 'em already? Well, did they make you wanna hire me?
They did?! Well lets chat then! Send offers and sweet nothings to vincent.gonska@gmail.com.

This is the end.

You've hit rock bottom of this page—literally, there’s nowhere else to scroll. But hey, our little journey doesn’t need to end here. Take a gander at some of my masterpieces. Seen 'em already? Well, did they make you wanna hire me?
They did?! Well lets chat then! Send offers and sweet nothings to vincent.gonska@gmail.com.

This is the end.

You've hit rock bottom of this page—literally, there’s nowhere else to scroll. But hey, our little journey doesn’t need to end here. Take a gander at some of my masterpieces. Seen 'em already? Well, did they make you wanna hire me?
They did?! Well lets chat then! Send offers and sweet nothings to vincent.gonska@gmail.com.