User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) are two of the most important aspects of game design. They’re also two of the most difficult to master. But if you want your game to be successful, you need to understand both UX/UI and how they apply to your game.
If you’re not familiar with UX or UI, they are the user-facing elements of a game. They are what players see, hear, and interact with when playing your game.
What do game designers need to know about UX?
There is no precise definition for the field of User Experience (UX). But designers try to make sure that everyone who interacts with a given product has an enjoyable experience. This can involve everything from the layout and navigation of a game’s menus to how easy it is for players to understand and control their characters. Good UX design means that players have a smooth, enjoyable experience while playing the game.
Basically, creating UX design consists of:
- research
- prototyping
- overall experience
- evaluation of a game’s interface
Research is a vital part of UX design in games. User experience designers need to understand their player base and gather information about how they interact with the game. This can involve gathering feedback from beta testers, conducting surveys, or using analytics tools to track gameplay patterns.
Prototyping is the process of creating rough versions of a game’s design and interface to test how players interact with it. This allows designers to make quick changes and improve the UX before the final release of the game.
Overall experience is the sum of all the individual interactions a player has with the game. It includes factors like gameplay, graphics, sound design, and story. UX designers need to consider how all these elements come together to create a cohesive experience for players.
Evaluation is the final step in the UX design process, where designers assess how well their efforts have worked. This can involve gathering feedback from players and analyzing gameplay data to see if there are any areas that could still be improved.
Overall experience
Well, what about the UI?
The User Interface (UI) is the component of a game that players interact with. This can include menus, buttons, icons, and other on-screen elements. Good UI design means creating an interface that is visually appealing and easy to navigate for players.
If a player is constantly frustrated by confusing menus or difficult controls, they’re not going to have a good time playing your game. On the other hand, if the game has intuitive menus and smooth gameplay, players are more likely to keep coming back for more.
So, UX and UI are the same?
Although UX and UI often go hand in hand, they are not the same thing. UX focuses on the overall experience of the player while UI specifically deals with the visuals and interaction aspects of a game. Both are important in creating a successful game. By understanding and implementing quality UI/UX design in your game, you’re setting yourself up for success. Happy players lead to positive reviews and a thriving player base. So, don’t neglect the importance of UX/UI in your game design process.
That’s cool, but do you have any examples of UX/UI in games?
One example is in the game Journey, where players can only communicate through musical chimes. This unique feature adds to the atmosphere and emotion of the game, while also allowing for efficient communication between players without cluttering the screen with chat boxes or other intrusive elements. Another example is in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, where players have a physical item inventory layout that simulates carrying items on their person, rather than just displaying them as a list on a menu screen.
The overall goal of UX design is to make sure players can easily navigate and interact with your game while also immersing themselves in its world and story.
Wow, what about UI?
One example of excellent UI design is in the game Overwatch. Each character has a unique set of abilities and weapons, but the UI displays all necessary information without overwhelming players or taking them out of the gameplay experience.
Of course, UX and UI design go hand in hand – they both contribute to creating an enjoyable player experience. As a game designer, it’s important to understand both aspects and how they work together to enhance your game.
How to become a UX or UI designer?
There is no one set path to becoming a UX or UI designer. Some may have a background in graphic design, and others in computer science or psychology. Designers need to have an understanding of both technical abilities and human behavior. Courses and certifications related to UX/UI can also help gain the skills necessary for the job. But ultimately, it takes creativity, problem-solving skills, and a passion for creating engaging experiences for players to excel as a UX or UI designer in the game industry.
Sounds great but what about the money?
The pay for UX/UI designers in the game industry can vary, depending on factors like experience and specific job role. According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a UX/UI designer is $85,277 per year. So if you’re interested in this field, know that there are opportunities for both personal fulfillment and financial success.So there you have it! UX/UI design plays a crucial role in creating engaging player experiences. And with the right skills and passion, you too can become a successful designer in the game industry. Good luck on your journey!
Conclusion
It’s important to consider UX/UI from the beginning of the game design process and constantly gather feedback to improve the player experience. By putting thought into these elements, you can create a truly enjoyable experience for players. So, if you’ve ever wondered why a particular video game is so enjoyable to play, check out the UX/UI elements of that game. After all—who knows? You might learn something!
