The Story

Identifying the Problem

Despite The Finals offering a seamless and dynamic gameplay experience, certain UI decisions create unnecessary friction for players. One of the primary issues is the way game modes are presented in the menu. The current UI requires users to navigate to a separate screen to view playable game modes, adding an extra step in the process. This design choice slows down the player’s ability to quickly select a mode and jump into a match, making the experience less efficient.
 

Another major limitation lies in private matches. The feature lacks essential functionalities such as team selection, match descriptions, and customization options. Players, especially on consoles like PS5, struggle to organize competitive tournaments as the system does not allow proper team structuring. Without the ability to assign teams beforehand, players are left hoping they end up on the same side when the match starts. The absence of these features limits the potential for The Finals to become a major competitive gaming title, as it restricts the level of control and customization that players expect in an esports-driven game.
 

Redesigning the Menu UI

To enhance the overall usability of The Finals, I redesigned the main menu to bring the game modes front and center. Instead of forcing users to navigate to another screen, I introduced game mode cards for World Tour, Quick Cash, and Ranked. This change allows players to instantly recognize available game modes and join matches without unnecessary clicks. The redesign prioritizes accessibility and efficiency, ensuring that players can engage with the game faster and with fewer steps.
 

Enhancing Private Matches for Competitive Play

For private matches, I designed an improved system that offers a more structured approach to competitive play. Players can manually assign themselves to specific teams before starting a match, eliminating the randomness of team selection. A brief summary of the match settings provides clarity on rules, objectives, and format. Additional customization options allow players to adjust settings such as round timers, score limits, and match structures, giving them more control over their private matches. These improvements address the frustration of not knowing team placements until the match starts and provide a more tournament-friendly environment for players who want to compete seriously.
 

Conclusion

My redesign of The Finals UI focuses on making the game more intuitive and competitive-friendly. By improving the menu structure and refining private match options, the game can attract more players and elevate itself in the esports scene. If implemented, these changes would help The Finals maximize its potential as one of the leading FPS titles in the industry.