Course Introduction

Course Introduction

Course Overview

This course is broken down into four modules:

• User experience design theory - exploring UX methodologies and valuable resources for references
• Accessibility in game design - discovering systems to implement for those with disabilities and how these features improve gameplay experiences for everyone
• User experience categories - reviewing how UX has many different categories such as level, combat, objectives, and crafting designs
• Establishing a game loop - breaking down what is a game loop into per second, per minute, per 15 minutes, per hour, and long-term goals

Note

Key Learning Principle Understanding that the user experience is separate from our game design and they flow together. This is an important part of creating a game.

What is User Experience in Game Design?

User experience can have many different meanings in game design:

• The impactful slam when you smash into an enemy
• The feeling of progression when you level up
• The satisfying dopamine hit of a legendary loot drop

Common UX Terminology

User experience has many words used to describe it:

• Game feel - that something special, some “oomph”
• Polish - refined and smooth interactions
• Accuracy - precise and responsive controls
• Immersion - drawing players into the world

Games that just have that something special might look like another entry to an age-old genre on paper, but during gameplay, they simply hook you in.

Neuroscience Component

There is also a neuroscience component to user experience:

• Understanding how the brain interprets, learns, and remembers gameplay
• Processing information the player receives as they travel your world and complete objectives
• Methodology for understanding why players react certain ways toward gameplay mechanics or design

Expert Resource

Celia Hodent is one of the leaders on neuroscience for UX in games. Highly suggested watching her available GDC videos on these topics for understanding neuroscience methodologies to help design better user experiences.

Course Focus

This course focuses on UX as tool designers, addressing common mistakes around user experience that can be easily fixed. Knowledge of these issues beforehand and preparing for them can save a mountain’s worth of development time.

During testing, understanding the “why” behind player reactions to gameplay mechanics or design becomes crucial for creating better user experiences.

User experience design theory and establishing proper game loops form the foundation for creating engaging, accessible games that work for diverse audiences and skill levels.