Welcome, freshmen! You're the new CEO of a startup software house. Your goal? To build a tech empire. But there's a catch: you can only succeed by mastering the principles of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). In this game, you'll learn about User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), and Prototyping while managing clients, earning money, and building your company from the ground up.
Be a Tycoon!
Before you start your first project, get familiar with your office. You have four main resources to manage.
Here is the step-by-step path from a new game to a successful company.
You can't get clients without a reputation. Your first action must be to gain research points!
Browse one lesson and a mini quiz will appear at the end of it.
Pro Tip: Spend your first 10 RP to unlock and accept clients.
Once you meet the minimum RP requirement for a "Freshman Level" client (e.g., 50 RP):
The client will walk you through the demanded project.
The required RP will be automatically deducted, and the project begins.
This is the core of the game. You must successfully complete all six phases. Failing a mini-game (or performing poorly) will cost you time and a potential money bonus.
What it is: Understanding who the user is and what they need.
You are shown a client request (e.g., "Mr. Bistro") in your mail tab. The tab will show the required research points and cost of the project to accept the client itself. The dialogue between you and the client will start, guiding you to what the client's expected outcome of the project.
What it is: Planning the UI/UX and building prototypes.
You are given a set of color combinations to choose from. The best color combination from the choices will have feedback on the client's mood.
You are given a blank phone/web screen and a set of UI elements (buttons, images, menus). You must drag them to the correct location based on the HCI Lesson you unlocked (e.g., "Place navigation at the bottom for easy thumb reach").
What it is: Writing the code.
A simple logic puzzle of a fast-typing game.
What it is: Finding and fixing bugs (QA).
You are shown the app design from Phase 2. Glitches (typos, misaligned buttons, broken links) appear rapidly. Click the bugs for it to be fixed by typing the correct syntax. (e.g. justify-content:center;)
What it is: Deploying the project to users.
A timing-based rhythm game. You must "tap" the screen to stop the circle from spinning, if the user plug stopped at the server port, the user would be given access to.
After completing all five phases, the project is finished! You will receive your Money ($) reward, plus bonuses for good performance in the mini-games.
Completion = Money + Performance Bonuses
You now have money. Your time is valuable. Go to the "Hirelings" tab.
Example: If you hate the "Bug Tracker" game, hire a "QA Tester" for 100P. Now, all future projects will automatically skip the Testing phase.
This allows you to focus on high-level (and high-paying) clients.
With your automated staff, you can now take on more clients, earn money faster, and dedicate more time to the Research tab to unlock the high-RP lessons needed for "Tycoon Level" projects.
Repeat the cycle to build your tech empire!
Master the game with these expert strategies
Do not neglect the Research tab. The HCI lessons you unlock are not just fluff—they are the answer keys to the mini-games.
Key Insight: An unlocked lesson might literally highlight the correct solution in the "Drop zone and Color Mood" games.
Your first few hires should complement each other for maximum efficiency.
Recommended Strategy: Hiring an Analyst and a Tester first is a strong move, as this ensures your projects are well-planned (and gives you bonuses) from the start.
A "Hard" client might pay 3x the money, but comes with significant challenges.