Short definition of UX design
Defining user experience design is both simple and complicated. The short definition would be “improving the user experience” of the product you are working on, in this case a game. Although clear, this definition does not allow someone outside the world of design to understand precisely what it is. Today, I prefer to present this profession as that of a designer who studies and finds solutions throughout production in order to improve the overall use of a product for users. In this profession, the research aspect must not be sacrificed in favor of the solution. Similarly, regardless of the product, UX must not be limited to one of its dimensions. To conclude this paragraph, here is the etymology of the term:
- design: The process of conception. The term comes from the English “design,” from the Old French “designer,” itself derived from the Latin designare, “to mark with a sign, to draw, to indicate,” formed from the preposition ‘de’ and the noun “signum,” “mark, sign, imprint.” The term gradually lost its meaning related to conception via a plan to be limited to the part related to drawing and art. In English, it retained these two dimensions and was used in an industrial context in 1849 by Henry Cole.
- experience: Knowledge of things through use. Via the Anglicism of this word, it also refers to a situation experienced as significant.
- user: someone who uses something. This term is derived from the Latin utilis, which originally meant “to take advantage of.”
Where does UX design come from?
This profession first developed within technology companies to improve the interfaces of screen-based products (computers, transport terminals, telephones, etc.). However, improving and taking users into account did not begin with this term. Previously, ergonomists and product designers were already interested in these issues.
So why a new term? Created in 1998 by Don Norman, it was intended to go beyond the terms “human-computer interaction” (HCI) or ‘usability’ to cover the entire product experience. Norman has conducted numerous interviews in which he notes that the term “UX design” is often misused and restricted to one part of the product.
UX design in video games company ?
This is a profession where video game culture, analytical skills, and communication skills are essential. In order to fully exercise this profession, it is mandatory that the company structure supports its efforts. In the video game industry, UX designers work closely with design teams and must maintain regular communication with publishing and marketing teams. They must be involved from the design stage in order to anticipate issues and product research.
Within the design teams, they must work closely with the game designers and be able to interact with all other departments. If the size of the studio allows it, it is preferable to set up a small user experience team of two people rather than integrating a UX designer directly into a specific team, in order to enable a holistic approach to the product. If this is not possible, the UX designer can join the game design team.
Regardless of their position, their responsibilities will evolve throughout production. During the design phase, they lay the groundwork by developing guidelines, conducting benchmarks, analyzing the target audience, auditing similar titles, ensuring accessibility through design, etc. This work will continue into pre-production, during which build testing and feedback on game mechanics from game designers will be added. UX feedback may also cover other specialties, such as interface design or sound design. Starting in pre-production, they may also be responsible for playtesting. All of these tasks continue during the production phase. Once the game is released, UX designers analyze user feedback to lay the groundwork for future titles.
