Product Design for Manurito NFT Tournament Platform by Raymond AkalonuProduct Design for Manurito NFT Tournament Platform by Raymond Akalonu

Product Design for Manurito NFT Tournament Platform

Raymond Akalonu

Raymond Akalonu

Overview

Manurito is the first automated NFT tournament platform that transforms digital collectibles into playable game characters. The platform gamifies NFT ownership by allowing users to battle with adorable creature NFTs called "Nuritos" in an engaging, tournament-style competition.
Project Type: Web3 Gaming Platform Timeline: Product Launch Phase My Role: UI/UX Design & Visual Identity

The Challenge

NFT platforms often feel cold, technical, and intimidating to newcomers. The challenge was to create a gaming experience that:
Makes NFT tournaments accessible to both crypto enthusiasts and casual gamers
Showcases 25 different Nurito types with distinct personalities
Communicates complex mechanics (legendary shines, earning potential, investment opportunities) in a digestible way
Appeals to a younger, gaming-focused demographic while maintaining legitimacy for investors
User Interfaces
User Interfaces

The Solution

A vibrant, character-driven design system that prioritizes playfulness over complexity:
Visual Storytelling Bold gradients (blues, purples, oranges) create distinct thematic sections while maintaining cohesive flow. Each Nurito character is prominently featured with high-quality 3D renders that emphasize their unique personalities.
Simplified Information Architecture Complex concepts like tournament mechanics, earning systems, and investment value are broken into scannable sections with clear CTAs. Stats (10K registered, 57 days left, 50% discount) are highlighted in easily digestible cards.
Character-First Approach Rather than leading with blockchain technology, the design centers on the Nuritos themselves, making emotional connections before technical explanations. The "Choose Your Nurito" section invites users to bond with characters before understanding the mechanics.
Strategic Color Psychology Bright blues convey trust and innovation, warm oranges create excitement around battles, and purple accents suggest rarity and value, essential for NFT positioning.
Nuritos
Nuritos
Loader Screen
Loader Screen

My Role & Process

Design Strategy: Developed the visual direction that balances gaming energy with Web3 credibility
UI Design: Created a scroll-driven narrative that reveals features progressively, preventing information overload
Character Integration: Collaborated with 3D artists to ensure Nuritos remained the hero throughout the experience
Conversion Optimization: Strategically placed CTAs ("Watch Video," "Join Tournament") at key decision points
Landing Page
Landing Page

Impact & Results

Engagement Metrics
10K registered users pre-launch
50% early bird discount driving conversion
Multiple tournament entry points reducing friction
Design Success
Created a differentiated visual identity in a crowded NFT space
Transformed complex Web3 mechanics into an approachable gaming experience
Established character-driven branding with expansion potential
User Experience
Clear value proposition established within hero section
Reduced cognitive load through visual hierarchy and sectioned content
Multiple engagement paths for different user types (gamers, collectors, investors)

Key Takeaways

The success of Manurito's design lies in putting joy before jargon. By leading with vibrant characters and gameplay rather than blockchain complexity, the platform makes NFT tournaments feel like a game first and an investment second, exactly what the market needed.
The bold artistic choices (saturated colors, dynamic compositions, playful typography) weren't just aesthetic decisions; they were strategic tools to reposition NFTs as entertainment rather than speculation.

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Posted Nov 25, 2025

Designed UI/UX for Manurrito's NFT tournament platform, focusing on character-driven branding and user engagement.