Work

About & Contact

Work

About & Contact

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Daybreak is a cozy daily game where players plan their day and complete quests. It's designed for gamers who feel stuck in an unhealthy gaming loop, helping them build better habits instead.

MY ROLE

I researched what healthy play looks like, then designed the game's user experience, interface, and visual style.

CHALLENGES

• Turning research into a clear mission

• Designing a product from survey data

• Making a game trailer in After Effects and Blender

SKILLS

UX Research, Prototyping, UI Art

CLIENT

MIAD Senior Thesis

PROJECT LENGTH

August 2023 – April 2024

TEAM

Lead: Paolo Vacala (UX, UI, 3D, and motion)

UI art advisors: Trystan Falcone, Matt Cole

UX advisors: Mike Ambinder, Nicholas Daigle, Shawn Simmons, Drew Maxwell

WORK PROCESS

PLAYER PROFILE

FLOW CHART

WIREFRAMES

UI MOODBOARD

FINAL UI

PLAYER PROFILE

Steven represents the 42 gamers (19.1%) in my survey of 249 who I designed Daybreak for.

My question: how can a game be fun and still be played responsibly?

Steven represents the 42 gamers (19.1%) in my survey of 249 who I designed Daybreak for.

My question: how can a game be fun and still be played responsibly?

Paolo

FLOW CHART

I mapped the game as a timeline: one playthrough a day that leaves players satisfied and refreshed.

I mapped the game as a timeline: one playthrough a day that leaves players satisfied and refreshed.

Paolo

WIREFRAMES

I sketched a simple interface to test my timeline idea: a game you can only play for a limited time.

I sketched a simple interface to test my timeline idea: a game you can only play for a limited time.

Paolo

UI MOODBOARD

I based the moodboard on the games my survey respondents play most, led by Minecraft, World of Warcraft, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.

I based the moodboard on the games my survey respondents play most, led by Minecraft, World of Warcraft, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.

Paolo

FINAL UI DESIGNS

Thanks for watching! :)

Thanks for watching! :)

Paolo

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© 2026 Paolo Productions

DAYBREAK: TAKE ON THE DAY

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© 2026 Paolo Productions

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