Introduction
A UX/UI designer can use game mechanics to increase a user’s level of engagement with an app. As a user of software apps, you’ve no doubt engaged with some type of game mechanic, such as a leaderboard, a progress bar, or a points-scoring system. When you submit an assignment to your learning management system, you get confetti. My Apple watch rewards me with a badge when I reach a level of fitness. This is an example of gamification, and it keeps me fit!
Watch the following video to learn more about gamification and how it’s used in UX/UI design:
Lesson Plan: Designing a Game User Interface with Adobe XD
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to design and prototype a game user interface for mobile devices using Adobe XD. They will understand the principles of cause and effect and closure, and be able to apply them in the creation of an interactive and engaging game interface.
Materials:
- Computers with Adobe XD installed
- Projector for demonstrations
- Internet access for resources
- Example game interfaces for inspiration
Duration: 3 hours (can be adjusted based on the pace of the class)
Introduction (20 minutes):
- Discuss the value of game mechanics in UX/UI design toward increasing user engagement
- Introduce the key principles of cause and effect and closure in game mechanics (present examples).
- Explain the role of animation in user interfaces and how it can improve user engagement.
Designing the Game Interface (60 minutes):
- Discuss the elements commonly found in game interfaces (e.g., progress bars, scoreboards, points, etc).
- Instruct students to sketch their ideas first, emphasizing the importance of planning before jumping into the digital design.
- Develop wireframes for low and high-fidelity interfaces.
- Guide students in creating the main components of their game interface using Adobe XD, focusing on layout, color schemes, and typography.
Prototyping the User Interface (60 minutes):
- Introduce the basics of digital motion behavior in Adobe XD, including transitions and timed interactions.
- Demonstrate how to add motion behaviors to buttons, menus, and other elements to create a more dynamic user experience.
- Encourage students to experiment with different properties of motion behavior (distance, speed, time, direction, easing, etc.) to enhance their game interface.
Testing and Feedback (30 minutes):
- Have students test their interfaces to identify any usability issues or improvements.
- Pair students to exchange feedback on each other’s designs.
- Discuss the importance of user testing and iteration in the design process.
Critique (30 minutes):
- Each student presents their game interface to the class, explaining design choices and highlighting key animated features.
- Facilitate a class discussion on the strengths and areas for improvement in each design.
- Ask students to reflect on the challenges they faced and what they learned during the process.
Homework Assignment: Ask students to refine their game interfaces based on class feedback and submit a final version.
Assessment: Evaluate student work based on creativity, adherence to design principles, effective use of animation, and responsiveness to feedback.
Note: Adjust the timing and content based on the skill level of the students and the specific features of the Adobe XD software version they are using.
Susan Robertson 