Brianne Stephenson Email & Phone Number

Montreal, Canada Area

As a Games User Researcher at Player Research, I specialize in assisting clients to meet their research goals and facilitate better usability for their games. With a deep understanding of the complexity involved in game development, I provide actionable feedback to aid clients. I've used multitudinous methodologies, including but not limited to:- Heuristic/Usability analyses, - Exploratory interviews to uncover player/developer perspectives.- Usability interviews to explore issues encountered through gameplay, including cognitive walkthroughs with players (through structured or semi-structured interviews)- Designing, planning, and conducting large lab experiential and usability playtests utilizing direct and remote observation.- Conducting A/B testing for UI and menus.- Leveraging surveys using tools like Survey Monkey and Qualtrics as well as other software for interviews such as Condens and Dovetail.Throughout my career, I have led and co-led research projects involving self-directed and client-directed research. These experiences have allowed me to manage participants and research assistants while conducting research. I've worked across multiple genres and platforms and have contributed to the success of numerous video games. Some notable projects that I have been credited for include:One Piece Odyssey (2023)Elden Ring (2022)Humankind (2021)Life is Strange: True Colors (2021)Twin Mirror (2020)Total War Saga: TROY (2020)Control (2019)Conan Unconquered (2019)In addition to these titles, I have also contributed to various projects under NDA, further expanding my expertise and knowledge in the field of Games User Research. With a passion for delivering exceptional user experiences, I am dedicated to helping developers create games that captivate and engage players on a profound level.

Oshawa, Ontario

Worked with multiple faculties at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. With this project, I worked with a team of developers to create this educational mobile game for grade school children.Worked with the development team to ensure that a series of playtesting questionnaires contained age-appropriate subject matter for Focus Group and interviews throughout development.

Oshawa, Ontario

Interned under Dr. Pejman Mirza-Babaei on multiple projects from second to fourth undergraduate year. Conducted UX competitor analysis for an indie game development team to improve their players overall game experience. This competitor analysis lead to an improved user experience through the mechanics, and aided in designing a more intuitive control layout.Drafted and presented reports to an indie development team to communicate the potential UX issues and explore recommendations. These recommendations were tested and integrated into future builds of the game. Assisted with academic writing on the topic of games user research reporting methods.

14800 Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario

Interacted with customers, managed employee work and handled general management duties. Worked very closely with employees working as a team to run the store.Also managed end of day finances, and organization of the store.