Nevada Gaming Control Board

Role

User Research, Interaction, Visual design, Prototyping

Challenge

The main challenge was to design interfaces that catered to the complex needs of the gaming industry while prioritizing ease of use and compliance with stringent regulations. Additionally, ensuring that the designs were accessible and compliant with WCAG 2.1 and 508 standards was a crucial aspect of the project.

Process

The design process followed a user-centered approach, starting with thorough research to understand the needs and pain points of the end-users. I conducted interviews, surveys, and usability tests to gain valuable insights into their workflows and requirements. Based on the research findings, I created user personas and scenarios to guide the design decisions.

Target Audience

The target audience for users of the Nevada Gaming Control Board database system for gaming licenses would typically include individuals and entities involved in the gaming industry within the state of Nevada. This may include:

• Gaming Companies and Operators: Casino and gaming operators, both large corporations and smaller businesses, would be a significant part of the target audience. They require licenses for their gaming facilities and employees.
• Gaming Employees: This includes individuals working in various roles within gaming establishments, such as dealers, pit bosses, floor supervisors, security personnel, and other staff members requiring gaming licenses.
• Gaming Suppliers: Companies that supply gaming equipment, software, or services to the gaming establishments may also need specific licenses to operate legally within the industry.
• Regulators and Government Authorities: Officials from the Nevada Gaming Control Board and other regulatory bodies would also be part of the target audience. They use the database system to manage and monitor license applications, renewals, and compliance.
• Legal and Compliance Professionals: Attorneys and compliance officers representing gaming companies or individuals seeking licenses may access the system to ensure that applications meet the required legal and regulatory standards.
• Background Check Entities: Third-party background check agencies may use the database system to conduct investigations and verify the eligibility of license applicants.
• Auditors and Investigators: Professionals responsible for conducting audits, investigations, and compliance checks within the gaming industry may also access the database system to gather relevant information.

It is essential for the Nevada Gaming Control Board database system to cater to the diverse needs of these users, providing an efficient and user-friendly interface that streamlines the license application process, tracks compliance, and facilitates effective communication between stakeholders.

User Personas

Casino Operator - Lisa Harrison
Age 40
Background Lisa has been working in the gaming industry for over 15 years and currently manages a well-established casino in Las Vegas. She is responsible for ensuring that the casino complies with all gaming regulations and oversees the licensing process for employees and vendors. Lisa is experienced in using digital tools but prefers intuitive and straightforward interfaces to efficiently manage licensing applications and track their status. She values a system that allows her to easily access and review licensing information, submit applications, and receive timely updates.

Gaming Employee - Mike Johnson Age 27 Background Mike is a newly hired gaming employee who recently moved to Nevada. He works as a blackjack dealer at a popular casino on the Las Vegas Strip. As a gaming employee, Mike needs to apply for a gaming license to work legally in the state. He is tech-savvy and comfortable with online platforms, but he values a user-friendly system that guides him through the license application process step-by-step. Mike expects the system to provide clear instructions, outline the required documents, and offer a smooth submission process. As a busy professional, he appreciates a responsive platform that saves time and simplifies the licensing journey.

Regulatory Compliance Officer - David Chen
Age 34
Background David works as a regulatory compliance officer at the Nevada Gaming Control Board. He plays a critical role in overseeing the licensing process and ensuring that all applicants meet the necessary regulatory requirements. David needs a database system that allows him to review and assess each application thoroughly. He requires advanced search and filtering functionalities to manage a large volume of applications efficiently. Additionally, David values a secure and reliable system that safeguards sensitive information and maintains a detailed audit trail for compliance purposes. He seeks a platform that enables collaboration with other regulatory officers and internal teams involved in the licensing process.

Wireframing

Due to the security policies of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Figma was unable to be used due to being cloud based.

Branding

Maintaining visual consistency and aligning the designs with the gaming industry's brand guidelines were essential elements. I worked closely with the branding team to integrate the appropriate colors, typography, and iconography, creating a cohesive and visually appealing interface.

WCAG 2.1 & 508 Compliance

Accessibility was a top priority throughout the design process. I conducted extensive accessibility audits, making sure the interfaces adhered to WCAG 2.1 and 508 standards. This involved implementing features such as alternative text for images, keyboard navigation support, and color contrast adjustments.

Creating the prototype

Browser-based prototypes were created using HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap 5, enabling stakeholders and the development team to experience the designs realistically. This approach ensured that the prototypes were both usable and feasible. Prototypes were continuously refined based on the results of usability testing and the valuable iterative feedback received. Once the protoype code was completed and reviewed, it was then handed off to the development team for further development using Angular.

Result

The result of the projects was a suite of user-friendly applications that significantly improved efficiency and effectiveness within the gaming industry. The SaaS reporting systems enabled HR personnel to manage employee applications efficiently, facilitated the detection of suspicious transactions, streamlined surveillance plan input and report generation, and simplified tracking and reporting of gaming device transactions.

The applications received positive feedback from users and stakeholders alike, with a measurable increase in user satisfaction and a reduction in compliance-related issues. Moreover, the emphasis on accessibility ensured that these applications were inclusive and catered to users with diverse needs, aligning with the principles of equitable design.

Overall, the successful completion of these projects reaffirmed the significance of a user-centered design approach in creating impactful solutions for complex industries like gaming.