The Current Situation
Scrabble is a great game. It builds vocabulary and math skills, and it's different every time you play. However, there aren't many youth players.
The Challenge
How might we help youth players and coaches across North America find each other, and make it easy for them to learn more about the game?
The Proposal
The Solution
Make a website where Scrabble-curious players and coaches can find a community of like-minded word nerds.
My Tools
Balsamiq
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Google Sites
Photoshop
Canva
Firefly
My Role
Researcher and Designer
My Target Audience
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Youth players in the United States and Canada who are interested in learning about Scrabble
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Adults who are interested in coaching youth players
My Timeline
April 2022-December 2022
Research
Coaches Questionnaire
I sent a questionnaire to nine youth Scrabble coaches in different parts of Canda and the US. All were enthusiastic about recruiting new players. Here is what I learned from them:
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focusing on recruiting coaches was as important as recruiting players
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parents were also an important focus, since they would be the ones providing permission, money, and transportation to play
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there should be some interactive elements with word games
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we can learn from how chess advertises to youth players
Competitive Analysis
There were a few existing websites for Scrabble, but mostly they targeted adult players. Chess was the obvious analog when looking for youth board game websites.
Personas
There was clearly a need for more Scrabble resources for youth and for coaches. I created these personas based on the questionnaire and the competitive analysis to guide my website development.
Wireframes
I used the Balsamiq app to create quick wireframes and make sure the coaches were in agreement with the content and layout style.
Design System
The Logo
Since our website is unofficial (Hasbro holds the rights to the game) I created an S for the logo that was evocative of the original tile but different enough to not be mistaken for Hasbro's letters.
The Fonts
Headings:
Roboto Bold
Body:
Roboto Light
The Colors
For the color scheme, I used the bold colors of navy blue and white, with a hint of red and black text.
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The Final Website
These are the final designs for the North American School Scrabble website.
Next Steps
Training Videos
Develop streamlined blog content with monthly additions.
Peer Play
Integrate with Woogles to make youth-only games.
Competition
Have more regional youth competitions.
Kid Friendly
Make a cartoon mascot and add pictures to help teach.
Conclusion
This website is a resource that was sorely needed and is greatly appreciated by the coaches who use it.
It is also a beacon for kids and coaches across the country who want to get involved but don't know where to go.
Long live Scrabble! Best board game ever!
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