The Context

Superstar KO was an eliminator-style mode built around immediacy. The goal was to get players into the action quickly, without overwhelming them with systems or complexity. That meant the UI needed to communicate progression and rarity at a glance, even within tight technical constraints.

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I was responsible for all launch UI content and for setting visual direction that could scale through post-launch updates. Introducing the concept of rarity required a new visual language, one that felt distinct from existing modes while remaining readable and consistent with Madden’s broader UI framework. Early designs relied on color and iconography together, allowing rarity to be understood through multiple signals rather than color alone.

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Accessibility was a core consideration from the start. Because Superstar KO was intended to attract newer and returning players, the UI needed to feel intuitive and inclusive. Using both shape and color as primary indicators helped ensure clarity for players with color vision deficiencies, while still aligning with familiar industry conventions.

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Technical limitations added another layer of complexity. Art assets needed to remain flexible across multiple screen sizes, crops, and animations. Careful image selection, paired with close collaboration with development, helped maintain quality and consistency as assets moved across contexts. Playtest feedback and stakeholder reviews were integrated throughout development, shaping adjustments before and after launch as the mode evolved.

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Superstar KO ultimately became a study in restraint. Every visual decision had to earn its place, serving clarity, speed, and approachability without sacrificing identity.

Product

Madden NFL 20

Platforms

• UI Visual Design

• Visual Systems & Rarity Language

• Accessibility-Driven Design

• Information Hierarchy

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• Playtest Feedback Integration

• Stakeholder Alignment

• Launch Ownership

• Scalable Asset Design

• Post-Launch Support