Mediamatik apprenticeship at jls: game development, UX and gamification in practice

28.01.2026

Author: Alessia Langenstein

As part of my mediamatics apprenticeship at jls, I had the opportunity to develop my first own game. At the beginning, I collected ideas, created sketches and tested different layouts. I experimented with colors and shapes and built the basic structure step by step.

To make the vision tangible, I used creative techniques such as moodboards and quick sketches. This resulted in a concept that feels visually coherent and works logically at the same time.

At the start, the goal was to create a clear foundation: What is the purpose of the game and what should the gameplay flow feel like? I tried different options and structured the content so users can quickly get into the experience.

Once the first ideas were defined, the design process for the jls winter game began. My focus was on easy usability and clear user guidance. I paid close attention to intuitive navigation, consistent elements and immediate feedback so it is always clear what is possible in the game and what happens next.

In addition, I implemented details that make the experience feel more lively, such as hover effects and scroll indicators. This way, the design not only looks appealing but also remains functional and intuitive.

The user experience was the priority. The goal was a playful flow that motivates without overwhelming.

For this, I used a simple reward system: points, a short summary and interactive elements such as timers or feedback after actions. It was important to me that everything fits the purpose and supports the gameplay flow instead of slowing it down.

A game is not just about mechanics and interface. Story and characters are what make it engaging. In my project, the story takes place in a cursed winter forest that can only be saved if a powerful crystal at its heart is destroyed.

For the character design, I developed a recognizable base design so the guardians remain identifiable as a group. At the same time, I worked with small details to give each character their own personality.

In each challenge, players encounter a guardian. They all share a consistent color world but differ in clothing and accessories, keeping every encounter interesting.

Developing my first game was a very educational and exciting experience for me. I was able to actively experience and shape the entire process from idea to design to implementation.

Above all, I’m taking three things away from the project:

• Planning and structure save time and provide confidence throughout the process

• UX details influence the user experience more than you initially think

• Gamification works best when it fits the user experience

Projects like these are exactly what make the apprenticeship valuable to me: you don’t just learn theory, you develop digital experiences step by step and in exchange with the team.