In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, the interplay between human psychology and UI/UX game design has become a critical factor in determining a game’s success. Understanding how these design elements influence player behavior can be the key to creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences. In this post, Room8Studio will delve into the world of UI/UX design and its profound impact on the way players interact with games. User Experience (UX) is an omnipresent element, influencing everything you engage with, from the simplest door handles to coffee mugs and even the intricate cockpits of fighter jets. Every human-crafted object is the result of a design that either prioritizes user convenience or eases the manufacturer’s process. When something feels frustrating or perplexing, it’s usually because the latter took precedence.
But what about UX in the realm of video games? When our brains grapple with the complexity of video games, psychology plays a pivotal role in game development, shaping the creation of captivating and memorable gaming experiences. In this article, we’ll underscore the significance of comprehending psychology when crafting the user experience in video games. We’ll delve into crucial aspects such as the value of play-testing, the incorporation of affordance in game design, leveraging psychology to ensure usability and engagement, and the role of the “Gestalt” theory in game design.
Why User-Centric Design Matters
Prioritizing the user’s perspective transforms a product into something practical, desirable, and highly useful. Consider the case of WWII fighter pilots. Operating under extreme exhaustion and pressure, these pilots frequently made critical errors, primarily because the dashboards in their aircraft weren’t standardized. This inconsistency meant pilots had to relearn the setup each time they switched planes, increasing the likelihood of pressing the wrong button. Standardized cockpits were introduced to enhance the user experience for these pilots.
This design principle extends to video games, emphasizing the importance of crafting games with the user’s experience at the core. Understanding user psychology enables designers to make informed decisions that cater to players’ needs. It’s essential to acknowledge that there’s no such thing as neutral design; everything we create influences how people use it. This holds ethical significance, particularly when retention mechanics can lead to addictive behaviors and penalize disengagement.
The Significance of Play-Testing
Every user is unique, shaped by their experiences, history, and individual preferences. Designing video games for diverse users requires an understanding that not all users will have the same perspective. Hence, it’s essential to assemble a diverse team of designers with varying backgrounds.
This diversity highlights the value of play-testing in game development. Play-testing gauges how the game resonates with actual players. It transforms game design into an iterative process where designers create a game, test it, receive feedback, and refine the game accordingly. The game’s objectives may be clear to the design team, but achieving those goals necessitates iteration across various facets of gameplay, from dialogues to visuals and mechanics.
During play-testing, developers should refrain from being present in the room with the testers. Developer presence can make players feel self-conscious and affect the accuracy of the test. Players might put in extra effort to comprehend the game when they know the developer is watching, potentially masking issues. To accurately measure how players would engage with the game, play-testers should be allowed to interact with the game independently.
Leveraging “Affordance” in Games
Affordance refers to how an object conveys its possible uses. In essence, it “tells” users how to use it. Consider a coffee mug: the handle clearly indicates that it should be used to lift the cup without burning one’s fingers. In video games, where physical objects aren’t manipulated, “cognitive affordances” come into play—signifiers that inform users how to interact with in-game elements.
Game designers integrate elements that enable users to comprehend their purpose and usage intuitively. A prime example is the enemies in the Mario game series. Bowser’s sharp spikes signify that players will get hurt if they attempt to jump on him. These early levels serve as tutorials, instructing players about the game’s mechanics.
Every aspect of a game, from music to visuals and dialogues, contributes to helping players understand how to interact with the game. Elements like the heads-up display (HUD) offer essential information, especially when players return after a hiatus, serving as a reminder.
Determining User Challenges
Designing a game involves considering the experiences you wish to offer players and the type of challenges they will face. Do you want to test their combat skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, or something else? Each challenge necessitates a distinct style of gameplay.
After defining the desired player experience, you must consider the players themselves, each with a unique perspective. Play-testing with a diverse group helps uncover potential barriers and makes the game more accessible to a wider audience.
Usability & Engageability: Crucial for Exceptional UX
Celia Hodent emphasizes two key components of good UX in a game: Usability and Engageability.
Usability ensures that players understand the game’s objectives and systems, such as crafting mechanics. Engageability captivates players emotionally, immersing them in the game, resulting in a state of deep focus.
Usability doesn’t equate to engagement. A game can be usable, yet boring. Conversely, a game can be engaging but difficult to use. Striking a balance is crucial.
Creating Usability: Perception, Memory, and Attention
Usability hinges on how the human brain processes information within a game, specifically in terms of Perception, Memory, and Attention.
Players perceive and remember games differently, and considering the learning aspect is vital. Notably, if players don’t pay attention to a game element, they won’t remember it. Thus, critical information should stand out to capture players’ attention.
Fortnite offers a great example by placing players in situations that compel them to learn by doing. When players care about their actions and pay attention, they are more likely to learn and remember.
Creating Engageability: Competence, Autonomy, and Relatedness
Engageability revolves around intrinsic motivation, keeping players hooked. It relies on Competence, Autonomy, and Relatedness.
Competence involves a sense of progression and control within the game. Players should understand why they fail and how to improve. Autonomy empowers players to make decisions, fostering a sense of ownership. Relatedness involves connection with others, whether real or fictional characters.
All three aspects must be present to maintain player engagement. If players feel incompetent, lack autonomy, or don’t connect with the game, they are more likely to disengage.
The Influence of the Gestalt Principle
The Gestalt theory, focusing on how humans perceive patterns and configurations rather than individual components, has significant implications for game design. It dictates how players perceive in-game elements based on proximity and similarity.
Game designers apply this principle to create intuitive user interfaces and skill trees, ensuring elements are grouped logically.
Prioritize Players in Game Design
Understanding the human brain’s cognitive processes, as well as the intricacies of perception, attention, memory, motivation, and game flow, is instrumental in designing better games. Taking a psychological perspective transforms the design mindset and helps anticipate issues, enabling designers to create experiences tailored to the player.
The paramount consideration in game design is the player’s experience. Emphasizing extensive play-testing, despite the associated costs, provides invaluable insights into how real users perceive and interact with your game.
