How did applying design-thinking principles help?
KecsUP.hu applied several key elements of design thinking throughout the project. User-centered design was at the core: from the beginning, they focused on how players would experience the game and interact with its journalistic content. They paid particular attention to clarity, simplicity, and visual appeal—ensuring the cards were intuitive, easy to use, and engaging for both younger and older audiences.
Did KecsUP.hu approach change engagement with its audience in any way?
They engaged in a form of informal user feedback by involving members of our community during the selection of public figures. Some individuals featured in the deck were nominated or suggested by readers, which helped validate the choices and boosted early interest.
Although they had limited time for formal prototyping, they conducted internal testing rounds with their editorial and communications teams to refine gameplay, card layout, and tone of content. This iterative process helped them quickly identify what worked and what didn’t, especially regarding information density and accessibility.
What challenges did KecsUP.hu encounter and how did it address them?
One of the main challenges they faced was unexpected illness among key team members, which significantly reduced our operational capacity for several weeks. This affected content production, design work, and internal coordination, causing some delays in the original timeline. However, they adapted quickly by redistributing tasks, adjusting deadlines where necessary, and focusing on the most critical milestones first.
Another challenge was maintaining focus on quality while juggling multiple small components—design, fact-checking, article curation, printing logistics, and event planning—within a relatively short timeframe. Balancing creativity with execution required ongoing communication and clarity of roles.
How was the project received by KecsUP.hu audience?
This project has strengthened the case for building a membership model, where supporters can access exclusive content and creative materials. The card game became a conversation starter, and we intend to continue using it as a bridge between media and community.
What insights or lessons did KecsUP.hu gain from this project?
The biggest lesson learned: build in more flexibility and buffer time, especially for small teams. Even with strong planning, unforeseen issues can arise, so having contingency options is key. They also learned that transparency and teamwork are invaluable—by supporting each other and communicating openly, they kept motivation high despite difficulties.
What does KecsUP.hu plan on doing next?
They see the “KecsUP Kártya” as more than a one-time initiative—it is a platform we plan to build upon. The physical card game continues to be available at public events, and they're exploring options to distribute it through local cultural venues and partner organisations. The QR-linked article collections remain live and will be updated periodically, ensuring continued relevance.