HUNGRY SHARK PRIMAL

Fossil Character Unlock System

Designing a functional and memorable Character Unlock system for Hungry Shark Primal.

ROLE

Lead UX Designer

PLATFORM

iOS/Android

TIMELINE

Q4 2022

CONTRIBUTIONS

Research & competitive analysis

Player Progression system architecture

Character collection mechanics design

Game Design

Stakeholder Alignment

Prototype & Feature Validation

Overview

In 2022, I designed the Character Select for Hungry Shark Primal. This was an important point of convergence between the core gameplay and the rest of the meta, wrapping different monetization components, character models, currency sinks, upgrades, neatly into a cohesive interface. Drawing from best practices across the most effective mobile games, it delivered a best-in-class character selection experience.

The Challenge

80% of mobile game users churn within the first 3 days.

Having an unclear and un-compelling character unlock pathways lead to a weak initial hook, hampering gameplay progression.

Researching Archetypes

Through user interviews, competitive analysis, and early prototype testing, we identified four key player archetypes that are typical of Hungry Shark Franchise. The Character Select interface is designed to fulfill these key archetypes.

Archetype

Motivation

Gameplay Preference

Target Experience

Completionists

Collection Mastery

Methodical Exploration

Moderate, targeted spending

Competitors

Skill Demonstration

Fast-paced action

Low performance boosters

Explorers

Content exclusivity

Varied, premium content

High Collection Acceleration

Competitor Implementations

Brawl Stars

Clean cartoon aesthetic with balanced hierarchy makes upgrade buttons and power indicators instantly readable perfect monetization clarity.

Marvel Contest of Champions

Clean grid layout with clear power ratings, star rarity indicators, and class-type icons that support strategic roster decisions, plus obvious upgrade indicators and multiple currency tracking.

Asphalt Legends

Blueprint collection system with upgrade-ready indicators (green arrows) and prominent shop placement creates clear spending friction through progression scarcity.

Format Explorations

Horizontal Grid View Design
A grid layout displays shark characters in two rows, each with character visuals, rarity tags, and contextual action buttons (e.g., Equip, Upgrade). Tabs at the top toggle between shark and pet collections, while visual hierarchy and spacing ensure clarity and ease of comparison.
Pick-3 Tag team
In this version, players select a tag team of three sharks for battle, allowing character switches between 3 sharks in the middle of gameplay for added versatility and dynamism.
Vertically scrollable grid with Character Preview
A single shark selector in a clean grid with a model preview on the right. This layout makes meta options easier to reach and places key actions within easy thumb access, and a clearer view of the Shark 3D Model.
Horizontal Grid View Design
A grid layout displays shark characters in two rows, each with character visuals, rarity tags, and contextual action buttons (e.g., Equip, Upgrade). Tabs at the top toggle between shark and pet collections, while visual hierarchy and spacing ensure clarity and ease of comparison.
Pick-3 Tag team
In this version, players select a tag team of three sharks for battle, allowing character switches between 3 sharks in the middle of gameplay for added versatility and dynamism.
Vertically scrollable grid with Character Preview
A single shark selector in a clean grid with a model preview on the right. This layout makes meta options easier to reach and places key actions within easy thumb access, and a clearer view of the Shark 3D Model.
Horizontal Grid View Design
A grid layout displays shark characters in two rows, each with character visuals, rarity tags, and contextual action buttons (e.g., Equip, Upgrade). Tabs at the top toggle between shark and pet collections, while visual hierarchy and spacing ensure clarity and ease of comparison.
Pick-3 Tag team
In this version, players select a tag team of three sharks for battle, allowing character switches between 3 sharks in the middle of gameplay for added versatility and dynamism.
Vertically scrollable grid with Character Preview
A single shark selector in a clean grid with a model preview on the right. This layout makes meta options easier to reach and places key actions within easy thumb access, and a clearer view of the Shark 3D Model.
Horizontal Grid View Design
A grid layout displays shark characters in two rows, each with character visuals, rarity tags, and contextual action buttons (e.g., Equip, Upgrade). Tabs at the top toggle between shark and pet collections, while visual hierarchy and spacing ensure clarity and ease of comparison.
Pick-3 Tag team
In this version, players select a tag team of three sharks for battle, allowing character switches between 3 sharks in the middle of gameplay for added versatility and dynamism.
Vertically scrollable grid with Character Preview
A single shark selector in a clean grid with a model preview on the right. This layout makes meta options easier to reach and places key actions within easy thumb access, and a clearer view of the Shark 3D Model.

Design Direction

Clear Visual Hierarchy

Clear rarity colors, names, and unlock levels enable easy character scanning and selection

Accessible &
Ergonomic

Primary actions sit bottom-right for easy thumb reach and comfortable repeated use.

Thematic Character Unlocks

The fossil discovery narrative transforms character acquisition from simple currency exchange into archaeological exploration.

Fossil-based Progression System

Character cards display evolutionary progression from basic reef sharks to mechanical hybrids, with each unlock requiring specific bone collection rather than generic currency.

The anatomical skeleton reveals body parts as bones are collected - each shard unlocks a visible piece until the complete fossil emerges.

This visual progression transforms shard collection into satisfying paleontological reconstruction rather than abstract character shard accumulation.

Design Outcome

Enhanced Visual Storytelling

Transformed basic character cards into an immersive paleontological reconstruction experience. The satisfying fossil-to-life transformation encouraged players to pursue additional unlocks.

Clear Progression Feedback

Interface evolves from silhouetted locked state → fossil with bone progress (3/3) → glowing transformation → fully unlocked creature.

Anticipated Success Metrics

Anticipated Outcomes

Increased D7 Retention

Through clearer short-term goals and collection management

Improved long term engagement with Core and Meta-game.

Through multiple progression vectors

Increased spend on Character Upgrades

More upgrades to power-up character through currency sinks

Validation & Iteration

User Testing

Interactive prototypes tested with 22 participants revealed three key issues: unclear fossil-to-unlock connection, tedious collection browsing, and weak Trophy Road motivation.

Further Design Improvments

Intuitive Filtering and sorting tools
Ability and power level gauges
Enhanced reward visibility through milestone celebrations

94%

Understood collection mechanics without explanation

89%

Engaged with meta-game layers (upgrades & abilities)

81%

Reported continued interest in character progression

Key Learnings

Strong visual metaphors (fossil-to-character transformation) eliminated tutorial needs with 94% intuitive comprehension, enabling more efficient resource allocation. Thematic integration significantly outperformed generic mechanics, driving higher engagement and retention through emotional investment. User testing revealed critical friction points invisible to internal teams, while high meta-game engagement (89%) and continued progression interest (81%) validated that narrative-driven systems reduce churn and deliver better development ROI.