Enhancing Puzzle Solving in Okay? Through Strategic Hints

Okay? is a minimalist puzzle game known for its abstract shapes and challenging levels. While its difficulty is part of the appeal, some levels proved too frustrating for players, increasing the likelihood of uninstalls. To address this, I introduced a strategically timed hint popup designed to assist players without compromising engagement or their sense of autonomy.

Player Frustration: Difficult levels often left players stuck, with many quitting after repeated failed attempts.

Retention Risks: The lack of timely support led to higher uninstall rates, especially after players failed a level multiple times.

Balancing Autonomy and Support: The hint system needed to provide help without undermining the satisfaction of solving puzzles independently.

Strategic Hint Triggers: Designed a hint popup that appeared after approximately five failed attempts, balancing assistance with user autonomy.

Empathetic Microcopy: Wrote hints that provided just enough guidance to nudge players toward a solution while preserving the challenge.

Player-Centric Design: Collaborated with designers to ensure the popup was minimally intrusive and seamlessly integrated into the game’s minimalist aesthetic.

Improved Retention: Early data suggested a reduction in uninstall rates, as players felt supported during challenging levels.

Positive Feedback: Users appreciated the subtle hint system, noting that it enhanced their experience without detracting from the game’s difficulty.

Enhanced Engagement: The hints encouraged players to persist through difficult puzzles, fostering a stronger connection to the game.

This project illustrates how thoughtful UX writing can enhance the player experience by balancing challenge and support. By introducing empathetic, well-timed hints, I helped ensure players felt encouraged to continue their journey without compromising the game’s minimalist design and sense of achievement.