As a multifaceted brand, Nickelodeon reached out to us to build an original, branded application for the launch of their new hotel experiences in select markets. The goal was to improve the check-in experience for their youngest guests and provide a fun way to learn about key amenities at the resort.

As long-time fans of SpongeBob SquarePants, we set out to create an exciting adventure for our porous friend.

Hand drawn prototypes of his treasure map world and accompanying UX strategy was the first step. Inspired to showcase the game in a flat-design motif, our design team illustrated all assets and characters from scratch.

The goal for users was to successfully guide SpongeBob throughout the narrow paths and steep cliffs of our island without falling into the ocean in a timed treasure hunt. As the player, you’re tasked with helping SpongeBob collect as many familiar items as possible from his friends stationed at different checkpoints on the map.

Recreating such a well-known animated character meant ensuring our design team preserved SpongeBob’s highly recognizable features and characteristics within the flat style that was set for the project. This sponge spectrum depicts reactions that reflect the character’s familiar personality as he balances his way to safety. The game’s timer was key to the user experience given the brief duration of the hotel check-in experience where an iPad allows young waiting guests to play the game. Rounds of usability testing ensured maximum fun and all treasure map objects could be collected within the time allotted.

The timed labyrinth-style game leverages the iPad’s built-in accelerometer to navigate SpongeBob throughout a perilous treasure island while balancing on a beach ball – easy right? Users aim to collect random items while discovering a whole cast of Nickelodeon characters along the way. In-game finds reveal various amenities available during a guest’s stay such as character meet-and-greets and toy rentals.