GCooke
Design changes are often accompanied by heated debates and subjective arguments. Statements like, “I don’t think this will work” or “I don’t like it” are common in design discussions, and while A/B testing might seem like the solution, it’s crucial to first know what metrics truly matter. The HEART framework, developed by Google, helps bridge...
Watching someone play a game you’ve worked on can be a rollercoaster. You might think, “Why won’t they use that weapon I designed?” or “Why aren’t they reading the story text?” Frustrations like these are common, but there’s a solution that could transform this experience from painful to productive: embracing personas. Personas, a concept introduced...
Using Google Analytics as a Powerful UX Tool Google Analytics (GA) is typically thought of as a tool for measuring web traffic and marketing performance, but its potential as a UX tool is often overlooked. With a user-friendly interface, extensive data insights, and minimal developer intervention after initial setup, GA can provide invaluable support for...
Building a User-Centered UX Strategy: Essential Tools and Frameworks Before diving into the design phase with prototypes, sitemaps, or wireframes, it’s critical to ask the right questions to shape a product aligned with users’ needs and business goals. Effective UX design puts the user at the core of every decision. This user-centered approach improves interactions...
Designing and Placing the Mini Map: Guidelines for Game Developers The mini map is a staple in many game genres, providing players with essential information to navigate and interact with the game world. But where should it be placed on the HUD, and what factors should guide its design? This article explores conventions and best...
Staffing Designers for Success: Using the Visionary, Cultivator, and Architect Archetypes Assigning designers to projects that align with their strengths is essential for project success and team morale. Borrowing a model from the world of sales and adapting it for design, I’ve found that categorizing designers into three archetypes—Visionaries, Cultivators, and Architects—helps managers better match...
Enhancing Game Design through Games User Research and Storyboarding Game design is an art that blends creativity with a clear vision of the player’s experience. Yet, it can be challenging to evaluate if the final product aligns with the developer’s original intent. This is where Games User Research (GUR) steps in—a field focused on understanding...
n design, decision-making is often challenging, requiring a delicate balance between science and art, evidence, and intuition. It’s tempting to rely on personal preferences or assume that every client’s opinion represents the ultimate truth. But let’s face it: a design review should be more than an email stuffed with urgent change requests for Monday morning....
What Is a Design Sprint? A Step-by-Step Guide to Rapid Problem Solving Imagine solving big challenges and validating your product ideas—all within just five days. That’s the power of a Design Sprint, a focused, week-long process designed to help teams prototype and test ideas quickly. Originally created by Jake Knapp at Google Ventures, the Design...
Helping Designers Thrive: A Guide for Design Managers and Executives In the design world, it’s clear: managers and executives are uniquely positioned to empower their teams, driving both personal and professional growth. Yet, the approach varies, with some leaders falling short or offering limited guidance. Exceptional design managers, however, consistently prioritize developing their designers, providing...