Brief Description of the Masterclass:

This class focuses on the visual design, development, and optimization of UI and in-game art for less powerful PCs and mobile devices, with an eye to creating game experiences that are accessible to all levels of end users.

Also covered will be UX for novice users, onboarding flows and usability testing.

Speaker:

Mr Michael David Thompson, Lecturer, Department of Game Software Design and Production

Biography: 

Michael hails from the west coast of Canada. He graduated from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2000, continuing on to work at a series of web/interactive design studios before moving to EA Blackbox and eventually Electronic Arts in 2002. In those roles, Michael worked as a UI designer, primarily on sports properties – NHL, NBA, March Madness and FIFA. In 2009 he was asked to help the EA Singapore studio produce FIFA Online. After that, in 2010, he moved to Ubisoft to help develop Ghost Recon Phantoms as well as several other side projects.
 
As a UX/UI designer working in the games industry, Michael did it all, working in traditional UI and interaction design, information architecture, copywriting, localization, feedback and player learning paths, acquisition funnels, and production methodologies. He also developed his teaching skills by conducting internal training courses on UX/UI and design thinking.
 
After leaving Ubisoft in 2015, Michael taught at Singapore Polytechnic in the Diploma in Game Design and Development program for a year before moving to DigiPen in 2016.