UX design is a somewhat competitive area, where designers often try to jump out of their pants and reinvent the wheel, whereas all the tools and techniques are already out there in the open. It mainly refers to fresh ideas – sometimes, it seems that there are no new idea sources. However, video games can be a major inspiration when it comes to user experience design.
For the past couple of years, the video gaming industry has been generating about $116 billion annually, which makes it the most profitable entertainment industry in the world. The gaming audience is one of the most solvent categories and encompassing both male and female population nowadays. Gamification has become a prominent trend in marketing strategies and no wonder – there’s a lot to learn from an industry that’s been treading its waters for over half a century.
UX agency Clay highlights that when you look for a designer for your digital product, there are a lot of things you should find out before hiring them. But, if you want your product to be engaging to your audience, you’d want it to versed in gamification techniques.
In case you don’t know what’s so special about video games and how they can help you launch a great digital product, make sure to read the full article.
Information Visualization
Video games are particularly great at displaying big sets of various data in a way players don’t seem to notice them, but still perceive them during the game. That is, depending on the game, gamers have to track a wide range of all kinds of information and metrics, including:
– Life indicator;
– Character type and name;
– Amount of ammunition left and the type of weapon used;
– Objective and its location on the map;
– Time left for objective completion;
– Achievements;
– Abilities;
– Inventory items;
– And many other things that might take the entire article.
Although it may seem too cluttered, people rather quickly get used to viewing this information and understanding it. As of apps or services for your business, you might not want to disclose all the critical information to the end-user on the first screen. Well, this is where a UX agency comes into play (see this list on Medium) with smart design solutions that would help to convey your message to the user and let them know where they can find what they’ve come to your digital product.
Dynamic Cross-Platform Design
Perhaps, one of the most popular and most-played video games in the world today is Fortnite. One of the reasons for its immense popularity is the fact that people can play it on almost any device. It includes desktop computers, gaming consoles, the Nintendo Switch hand-held device, and even smartphones. Furthermore, it doesn’t affect the in-game environment – they get to play against the same players on any device.
Fortnite’s success is an excellent example of how providing the end-user with pretty much the same experience on multiple platforms is crucial. While mobile apps aren’t exactly meant for the desktop, most of the time, if you are developing a website, make sure it runs smoothly in any browser and on any device.
Perks for Returning Users
Now, what about mobile gaming? Is there any inspiration in this niche? It is the Wild West of the gaming industry. Myriads of small companies pop up daily and launch semi-finished games, where addicted players spend real money on small rewards. Crazy, right? And there you are trying to put an app together that is supposed to keep your audience using it.
Don’t be upset, though. A reward system is a crucial part of exploiting users in such games. Pass a level today and get ten coins you can spend on an extra perk, play for two days in a row and 50 coins, get 100 coins for playing seven days in a week, etc.
The developer doesn’t spend a dime after they design coins and prizes, but they gain players – loyal customers. The more players play the game, the more ads they see, and the more money the developer gets.
It doesn’t mean you have to get your audience addicted to your digital product. However, providing rewards for returning end-users is an effective way of boosting visits and increasing conversion rates.
Also, if you let your audience create accounts, it can improve their experience in your app or on your site. While it largely depends on the type of your digital product and its goal, you can always find a way of rewarding your users and building customer loyalty. Make sure to discuss it with your UX agency, and you will surely get valuable advice on this matter.
Conclusion
Video games are pretty much the future of entertainment. Implementing some of the primary video game techniques into your digital product is a valuable asset for your product’s user experience. And whenever you resort to these techniques, don’t forget that you’re learning from the most successful entertainment industry on planet Earth.
