Hi!, I'm Nyx

What

Uber faced significant challenges with its rider-driver pickup process, leading to frustration, miscommunication, and inefficiency. This case study details the redesign of the pickup experience, focusing on improving clarity, communication, and user satisfaction for both riders and drivers.

Why

Pickups were often stressful for riders, who experienced anxiety due to unclear location information and poor communication with drivers. Drivers also struggled with locating riders, leading to delays and wasted time. In cities like San Francisco, this inefficiency cost over $1 million per week. The core challenge was to streamline the pickup journey by addressing communication gaps and enhancing spatial clarity.

When

The project began with a cross-functional team aligning on goals and priorities. User research was conducted through interviews and observational studies, revealing key pain points: riders felt anxious when waiting, and drivers had difficulty identifying the correct pickup spot. Early insights highlighted the need for real-time, shared location data and visual cues to reduce ambiguity

What

Dragonfly, a creative studio specializing in animation and storytelling, partnered with the National History Museum to produce Bug Explorer, an engaging animated short designed to teach children about insect biodiversity. The goal was to transform complex scientific information into a visually captivating and age-appropriate experience that would spark curiosity and learning in young audiences.

Why

The team began with extensive research on insect anatomy and behavior, collaborating closely with museum scientists to ensure accuracy. Early storyboards focused on simplifying scientific concepts through metaphor and humor—depicting ants as construction workers and bees as delivery pilots.

The animation style combined 2D character design with subtle 3D textures to create a tactile, immersive world. A major challenge was balancing educational content with entertainment; the solution lay in rhythmic pacing, playful sound design, and vibrant color coding for different insect families. Iterative feedback from educators helped refine the narrative flow and visual clarity.

When

Bug Explorer premiered at the museum and was later distributed to schools and online platforms, receiving praise for its educational value and creative execution. It significantly increased child visitor engagement at the museum’s insect exhibit and was adopted into several primary school science curricula. The case study highlights Dragonfly’s ability to merge science communication with artistic innovation, demonstrating how design can make learning joyful.

What

Miracle Next, a game development studio specializing in 3D modeling, created Prehistoric Chef, a whimsical and engaging game where players juggle prehistoric ingredients to prepare dishes for cavemen. The primary challenge was to develop a visually cohesive and personality-driven world that balanced playful artistry with functional gameplay mechanics. The goal was to craft a unique identity for the game that would stand out in a crowded market while showcasing the studio’s artistic and technical capabilities.

Why

The project began with concept sketches and character design explorations, focusing on creating a cast of prehistoric characters with distinct personalities. Early rough drawings were used to experiment with proportions, expressions, and visual humor, ensuring the characters felt both ancient and endearing. The team then transitioned into 3D modeling, paying close attention to consistency in style and texture across all assets.

The animation style combined 2D character design with subtle 3D textures to create a tactile, immersive world. A major challenge was balancing educational content with entertainment; the solution lay in rhythmic pacing, playful sound design, and vibrant color coding for different insect families. Iterative feedback from educators helped refine the narrative flow and visual clarity.

When

Prehistoric Chef was released to positive reception, praised for its vibrant visuals, creative concept, and engaging gameplay. The game’s unique art style became a defining feature, with players and critics alike highlighting the studio’s ability to blend humor, creativity, and technical skill. The case study not only demonstrates Miracle Next’s 3D modeling expertise but also their deep understanding of narrative-driven design, proving that art and function can coexist seamlessly in interactive media.