Serpent (Death Wall) User Testing
The serpent which constantly chases the player was introduced in sprint 3. However, it was quite slow and didnt keep the player on their feet as it should. Whilst the moving speed can be changed, it is important to make sure that all users will be able to enjoy the game, meaning a user test was conducted on the speed and spawn points of the serpent
To fine tune the speeds of the serpent for each level, a user testing session was conducted. Both qualitative and quantiative data were recorded. Each participant was told that the serpent would gradually increase in speed for each level. The user testing session went as follows:
- Allow the user to attempt each level with different serpent speeds
- Take notes and observe user attempts
- Give them a questionnaire to fill out for each level
Firstly, the participants were asked to give their thoughts on the (then) current serpent speeds for each level. The results for one of the participants were as followed:
For level one: Whilst i understand this is the first level, i think the serpent is still a bit too slow as i feel like its not really chasing me
For level two: The speed feels perfect. However, the serpent starts too close
For level three: The serpent starts too close. Since it is the final level, the serpent feels too slow. I feel like it should really be a challenge for level 3
Three different serpent speeds were tested for each level, and the preferred speeds for each user were recorded:
From the user testing, it was decided that the serpent spawn points for levels 2 and 3 will be moved back. Serpent speeds were slightly altered aswell for each level
As such, the quantitative data showed that for each level, these serpent speeds were preferable:
Level 1: Speed 2 (0.4)
Level 2: Speed 2 (0.85)
Level 3: Speed 3 (1.1)