TCG Tracker — Built for card lovers, made for your collection.
Role: Lead UX/UI Designer
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Industry: Collectibles, Gaming, Sports
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Tools: Figma, Word, PowerPoint
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Duration: 5 weeks
OVERVIEW
Effortless Finding, Trading, and Collecting
with TCG Tracker
Collectors of trading cards often face challenges with collection apps due to their poor organization, navigation, ineffective search functions, and lack of community features. The goal for TCG Tracker was to create a single trading card collection app with all the essential features users need, simplifying the process for collecting, selling, and buying. As the lead UX Developer, I designed system sketches, overall layout of the app, object mapping, iconography, to ensure that the app effectively included all the key features the user needs.
BACKGROUND
The Evolution Of Trading Cards
Why do people like collecting trading cards? I am not too knowledgeable when it comes to collecting trading cards other than Pokémon cards but after doing further research, I realized that there is a whole world of trading cards & how it's become a multi-billion-dollar market. Trading cards encompass a diverse range of collectible cards featuring various subjects, including sports, games, art, and entertainment. Early trading cards emerged in the late 1800’s predominantly as advertising devices & Manufactures would include cards in cigarettes packs to promote their brand. In the 1930’s to the 1960’s marked what could be considered the golden age of trading cards as it introduced iconic brands such as Bowman & Topps which transformed trading cards from basic promotional items into collectible pieces sought after by enthusiasts. And during this period, trading cards became a popular hobby, leading to the formation of collector clubs & organizations.
However, the trading card industry took a major decline hit in the 1980’s and early 1990s due to the overproduction of cards which resulted in a saturated market & made trading cards invaluable. But with the rise of technology in the 2000s, trading cards began a resurgence & Online platform allowed collectors to buy, sell, & trade cards effortlessly. In 2020, the global sports trading card market hit a whopping $13.98 billion, painting a vivid picture of just how crazy people are about collecting these gems. Just speaking on the sports trading card market, it was estimated at USD 12,927.3 million in 2021 and is forecast to reach a market value of USD 49,373.2 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13%. And in 2023 the global trading card market was valued at USD 10.8 Billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.03% during the forecast period (2023-2030). The market for trading cards has experienced a surge in popularity as an alternative investment and speculative asset class. Investors have acknowledged the potential for significant returns, particularly due to the rise in card values in recent years. A notable example of this trend is the recent sale of a rare Pokémon card. In January 2021, an ungraded 1999 Pokémon First Edition Base Set Charizard card was sold for an astonishing $350,100 in an online auction.
The rise in disposable income and the growing culture among teenagers and adults alike are major driving forces behind the trading card market’s expansion. There is a thriving secondary market because collectors value cards according to factors including condition, rarity, and player or character significance. Its reach has been further increased by the emergence of digital trading cards and online venues. Asia-Pacific region is the leading region in the trading card market, holding the largest market share in 2024. The region’s dominance is driven by strong consumer demand in countries like Japan and China, where both digital and physical cards enjoy significant popularity. One of the primary reasons behind the popularity of trading cards is the nostalgia they evoke. Many collectors reminisce about their childhood days spent trading and playing with these cards & for some, collecting trading cards is also a way to hold onto a piece of their past.
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RESEARCH
Object Mapping / MosCoW Analysis
In this section, I identified the key features and functions to explore during the initial sketches for TCG Tracker.
Through Object Mapping, I broke down the essential components and interactions that would be utilized within the app. Subsequently,
I employed MoScoW Analysis to prioritize these features, ensuring a clear focus on the most critical elements during the app’s early design phase. This structured approach established a solid foundation for intuitive and efficient user interactions.
Sketches
Exploration Sketches
To better understand the needs of trading card collectors, I visualized different concepts for TCG Tracker, concentrating on potential solutions to key design challenges. I experimented with various layouts, navigation flows, and interactions to understand how users might have browsed, organized, and managed their collections. These sketches helped to refine my initial ideas, identify usability considerations, and set the foundation for more detailed wireframes.
Key Insights
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sketches revealed that the trading and Wishlist functionalities required clear indicators for available, wanted, and trade-ready cards.
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Sketching out different filtering and sorting methods highlighted how important it is to allow users to quickly find specific cards.
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Users feel there is a lack of community engagement & how it is important to have social features as it allows them to share with others.
System Sketches
I explored three different screen layouts for TCG Tracker: the Wishlist, social interactions, inbox, and search/filter functionalities, concentrating on how users could save their desired cards, engage with others, and efficiently find specific cards within their collections.
Home Screen Elements and Sketches
I explored various home screen elements and icon designs, focusing on intuitive navigation, visual hierarchy, and clear, recognizable symbols for key features like Wishlist, socials, and search.
NEXT STEPS
Transitioning to Testing
The next step is to transition from sketches to paper-prototype testing, where I will create low-fidelity prototypes to simulate user interactions. This will allow me to test the functionality, navigation, and overall user experience before refining the design further. By gathering feedback early, I can identify potential issues and make improvements before moving on to digital prototyping.
Task 1:
You've just installed TCG Tracker; a new online trading card app that helps you collect, buy or trade cards. You're eager to explore new cards. First, sign in to the app using your Facebook account to get started!
Task 2:
You’ve just signed in and had a feel for what the app looks like. You recently bought a trading card pack & would like to add those cards to your collection. See if you can add your cards into your collection.
Task 3:
You're looking to expand your Pokémon card collection and have your eye on a rare Charizard card. You remember seeing a Marketplace section where users can buy, sell, or trade cards. Navigate through the Marketplace and see if you can find that card!
CONCLUSION
Looking Ahead
As my trading card collection app takes shape, I'm excited to see how all the components are coming together. From the initial concept to refining the user experience, this project is evolving into something truly special. The potential of this app excites me—not just as a tool for collectors, but as a platform that could redefine how people engage with their collections. Looking ahead, I am considering a few different paths. I would love to bring in other UX experts to get feedback and further refine the design, ensuring the best possible experience for users. At the same time, creating a pitch deck for investors could open opportunities to scale the project beyond what I can achieve alone. Alternatively, I may decide to dive straight into full development, bringing this vision to life independently. Whichever direction I choose, one thing is certain: I am committed to making this app a reality. The journey is just beginning, and I can't wait to see where it leads.
