Monopoly Events started back in 2015, born out of a real love for all things 80s pop culture. Since then, it’s grown into Europe’s leading fan convention organiser, now running over 20 shows across the UK every year.
They’ve got three main event brands, so there’s really something for everyone:
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Comic Con – This one’s the big multi-fandom party, with everything from celebrity guests and gaming to epic cosplay.
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For the Love of… – These events are more niche, diving deep into specific genres or fandoms.
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Comic Con Mania – Perfect for families, these are fun-packed, one-day shows with a more relaxed vibe.
1. Research & Discovery
A few years ago, I pitched the concept of a centralised fan app — not just for one event, but for the entire Monopoly Events universe. After detailed planning, design, and development, the app is now live after Beta testing for 90 days.
Rather than build multiple apps, we created a single portal where fans can explore and engage with all events in one place.
🛠️ From Concept to Beta
🎓 16+ years of Comic Con experience shaped our understanding of fan needs.
🔍 Conducted UX research into competitor apps to discover what features fans actually value.
📐 Designed wireframes, site maps, and high-fidelity UI mockups.
🚀 Hands-on learning in app store deployment, push notifications, and launch procedures.
🎯 Problem Statement
As Monopoly Events expanded, fans struggled to find event info quickly and consistently. We needed a unified, mobile-first platform to deliver:
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Guest info
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Venue maps
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Schedules
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Live updates
All while maintaining a fun and intuitive user experience.
👥 Target Audience
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Comic Con first-timers and die-hard regulars
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Families attending one-day shows
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Cosplayers, collectors, gamers, and pop culture enthusiasts
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Fans needing quick access to real-time updates, maps, and schedules
🧭 Design Goals
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Centralise all event info in one sleek, fan-friendly app
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Provide real-time notifications and live updates
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Enable custom schedules and reminders
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Integrate interactive venue maps
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Use visual themes tailored to each brand
2. Wireframing & Information Architecture
Based on our research insights, I created user flows, wireframes and mapped out the information architecture.
This phase focused on organising content and designing intuitive pathways for key user tasks, such as helping fans seamlessly plan their Comic-Con day.
3. Visual Design & Prototyping
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Visuals were designed to reflect the bold, playful energy of pop culture events, while ensuring usability in busy, dimly lit environments. Design principles focused on clarity, ease of navigation, and quick legibility.
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Personalised content to reflect each event’s brand
Key Features
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Event Hub – Explore upcoming events and essential info
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Custom Schedule – Add panels, guests, and get reminders
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Live Updates – Stay informed of any last-minute changes
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Event Maps – Navigate busy venues easily
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Fan Zone – Share photos, participate in contests, and engage with other fans
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4. Beta Testing & Iteration
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Beta testers report smoother planning, better access to live updates, enhanced performance, and resolved bugs.
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On-site confusion has been dramatically reduced thanks to in-app maps and schedules
- Added support for high contrast dark and light modes, along with adjustable text sizes for better accessibility.
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The design, which evolved through multiple iterations
- The app officially went live in early July after a successful beta testing phase across three major events, involving:
600+ Apple users
150+ Android users
We received valuable feedback from real fans, which influenced decisions about which features to keep and which to refine. One core philosophy stayed true: “By fans, for fans.”
What’s Next
Continue collecting and applying changes based on feedback
Refine UI and UX for version 2.0
Explore fan-to-fan features, including in-app community tools
Expand app features based on evolving fan needs and event scale
Iterative design driven by continuous testing and real-world feedback
An in-app feedback and voting system lets fans directly influence future updates. Post-Manchester Comic Con, we’ll review responses to prioritise high-impact features.
Launched in early July
Over 100 new users per day on both iOS and Android platforms, signalling strong organic interest and word-of-mouth growth
On-site confusion has been dramatically reduced thanks to in-app maps and schedules
Positive feedback on the app’s design, speed, and usability
