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(WIP) I’m continuing to work on the upgrade lockout system. Which do you prefer: with the hand or without? 📝
r/IndieDev
7/10/2025
Content Summary
Developer u/ScrepY1337 seeks feedback on UI design choices for their game 'Reaper Hunt Survivor Demo', specifically debating between including a hand animation in the upgrade lockout system. Most commenters find the hand distracting and thematically inconsistent, suggesting removal or redesign. Key issues include visual clutter, timing mismatches in effects, and art style cohesion. The developer is engaging the community through Reddit and offering a Steam demo for testing.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinion strongly favors removing the hand animation (10/12 comments). Critics argue it's distracting, thematically inconsistent, and has visibility issues. A minority suggests keeping it with improvements: better contrast, thematic alignment, and smoother animation. Debate centers on balancing visual flair vs functionality. Some note broader art style inconsistencies beyond just the hand element. The developer's approach of public demo + community feedback shows effective user engagement.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | https://store.steampowered.com | Game Distribution | Platform for game demos and distribution |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Hand animation in UI is distracting/annoying
- Visual inconsistency between hand and overall theme
- Poor visibility of dark hand against dark background
- Timing mismatch in lightning effects
- Lack of cohesive art style across game elements
Problems to Solve:
- Improve UI clarity and focus
- Maintain thematic consistency
- Enhance visual hierarchy
- Ensure timely feedback for user actions
- Create unified art direction
Potential Solutions:
- Remove hand animation
- Adjust hand color for better contrast
- Sync visual effects with user interactions
- Re-evaluate art style cohesion
- Consider alternative thematic elements
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Public demo availability for user feedback
- Community-driven design decisions
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Steam platform utilization for distribution
- Social media engagement via Reddit
Monetization & Product:
- Free demo strategy for user acquisition
- Iterative design based on user feedback
User Engagement:
- Direct community interaction on Reddit
- Crowdsourcing design preferences
- Transparent development process sharing