Curated UX Design by Pavithra

The Crucial Role of UX Beyond UI in Game Design

Watching TheUXConf 2021 | Nathalie Ek | Eye Tracking, Audio and VO in Game Design delivered a clear message: UI cannot always be relied upon to solve UX problems in gaming. Nathalie Ek, a senior UX designer at Dice Studio, highlights the nuances that often get overlooked in game design when it comes to player experience.

Nathalie tackles a common misconception in the design community—specifically that UX equates to UI. She emphasizes that UX encompasses a wide range of elements, including in-world assets, audio cues, and visual effects, all of which significantly impact how players interact with and perceive a game. This multifaceted approach is essential for enhancing player immersion and overall experience.

In the context of in-game elements, Nathalie uses Battlefield 1 as a key example. She discusses how destructible items, interactable objects, and environment-specific cues inform player expectations. For instance, players might anticipate that a wooden door marked in blue is interactable, while a non-descript red door serves as a barrier. This strategy streamlines navigation and reduces cognitive load, allowing players to react instinctively without being overwhelmed by UI prompts.

Nathalie also draws attention to how audio acts as a powerful tool for conveying information. The example of a soldier breathing heavily when low on health illustrates that critical gameplay cues can come from sound rather than visuals. This reinforces the idea that players can engage deeply with the game by relying on their auditory senses, thereby reducing the need for excessive UI overlays.

A crucial point made is the importance of messaging timing. During tense moments, players naturally focus on survival, making them less likely to register on-screen hints or notifications. This is where eye-tracking studies come in. Nathalie mentions employing eye-tracking technology to verify whether players notice critical UI elements, such as changes in health indicators. Overlooking these subtle shifts can lead to frustrations, which ultimately degrade the gameplay experience.

When addressing the HUD from Battlefield V, Nathalie notes that it contains 23 fixed elements that can appear simultaneously, leading to potential clutter and confusion. Research shows that localization issues arise with excessively long player names, which need to fit neatly within the UI’s constraints. To combat this, designers must prioritize which information is essential and when it should appear. Critical messages can often wait until after combat scenarios, preserving the player’s focus where it matters most.

Nathalie emphasizes the fluidity required in presenting opportunities for player customization. The option to toggle certain UI elements off is valuable for players seeking immersion. In the absence of UI, auditory cues become paramount, dictating when players need to reload, retreat, or engage with the environment in more nuanced ways.

One striking example discussed was the prologue of Battlefield 1, where the design team sought to illustrate the grim realities of war. Initially met with confusion, the onboarding process lacked clarity about the game’s unique progression mechanic—death. Simple adjustments, such as adding a black screen with a line of text stating “You are not expected to survive,” vastly improved player comprehension and connection to the game’s narrative. By reframing the experience, the design team shifted player frustration into a compelling engagement.

These insights underscore a vital lesson for UX designers: simplicity in messaging can dramatically change player experience. Nathalie encourages designers to step back and evaluate their workflows to simplify complex systems that may alienate players, reminding them that sometimes, the smallest tweak can create the most significant impact.

In conclusion, Nathalie’s presentation delivers a critical reminder—game design must account for the holistic player experience, leveraging every aspect from audio to environmental cues to enhance engagement. A thoughtful, well-rounded approach to UX design fosters not just functionality but also emotional resonance within the gaming experience.