Survey Analysis

Winning Option: Option C

Option C emerged as the clear winner, receiving the highest score of 60 and being ranked first by 9 respondents in the initial round. The primary appeal of Option C was its dynamic and energetic depiction, which many respondents associated with excitement and action—qualities they found fitting for a strategy game. Unlike Options A and B, which some participants perceived as having an off-putting amount of drool or less engaging expressions, Option C's portrayal was often described as "yelling" or "shouting," suggesting intensity and involvement.

Key Topics Across All Options

Several themes emerged consistently across the survey responses:

• Visual Appeal: Respondents frequently commented on the visual elements such as facial expressions and background colors. The balance between dynamic imagery versus off-putting details like excessive saliva played a significant role in their preferences.

• Perceived Energy Level: Many participants favored icons that conveyed high energy or action-oriented vibes. This perception seemed crucial in aligning with expectations for strategy games.

• Character Presentation: The way characters were depicted—whether looking determined, angry, or tough—was central to how appealing each option was considered.

Hypotheses for Further Testing

Based on these findings, several hypotheses could be explored further:

• Impact of Saliva Representation: Investigate whether reducing visible saliva would increase appeal across different demographics.

• Color Scheme Influence: Test how changes in background color impact preference when combined with character expression variations.

• Expression Intensity Correlation: Examine if more intense facial expressions consistently lead to higher engagement levels among strategy game enthusiasts.

These hypotheses could provide deeper insights into optimizing app icon designs to better attract target audiences within mobile gaming markets.