Why game UI matters?
Game UI matters for two most important reasons i.e., either for providing an interactive help for users that guides them all through the game or increase sales for the game. Irrespective of what you ought to aim at, you can get it all by just following a few simple principles of design and witnessing the consequences of the changes you made. UI is referred to as the methods (keyboard control, mouse control) and interfaces (inventory, map etc) implemented in the game through which the user interacts with the game. This is the very reason that you must always consult a good mobile game development company to get ultimate drooling results.
The idea behind an interactive game UI is to lead people throughout the game and never let them end up misled or misguided. An ideal game should be interactive and informative enough so that the user does not end up looking for instructions in the menu. The main agenda of the gaming UI is that the gamer finds his way through the game and can easily focus on the game. And simplified navigation is the key to an interactive gaming UI. It has got nothing to do with the type of game or its difficulty level.
The gaming UI is not just for guiding players throughout the game, it is also needed to create an everlasting impression and generate revenue. Take the example of the shop button that allows the user to unlock an advanced version of the game. If it would be unattractive, users are less likely to show interest or even notice the icon. Web designers from varied mobile game development companies know this very well and thus, they use a combination of analytics and graphic design to create an attractive interface. This idea is used to create almost all the major elements like forms, menus, and buttons.
1) Be consistent
When it comes to a successful design, consistency is an essential key factor. It is important to apply the same set of guidelines throughout for your entire interface. Even if you have to make changes at places, do it at critical circumstances only when there’s no choice left.
2) Defining a precise style guide
We give you following reasons for defining and following one precise style guide:
* If all the features look and function similarly, the users will find your UI more intuitive and this will keep them glued to the game.
* It enables you to modularize your assets, reuse the elements and save plenty of time for yourself.
From the beginning of creating your assets, keep in mind what kind of characteristics would you like to share throughout and stick to that.
Precisely, you will need to be consistent with your entire visual and audio cue that your UI provides to the player. This includes positioning, anchoring on the screen, the overall layout, color palette, styles etc. You can also visually plot your style guide. There are plenty of visual style guides that can be taken inspiration from. You can also use it as a reference to understand how to apply the basic concepts of visual design in order to make your UI clear and consistent.
3) Establish visual hierarchy
You can establish a visual hierarchy in your design using variations in size, color and even detailed animation depending upon the prominence of elements. Put on an interesting sound effect and pay attention to details for the icons players will often use or the ones you want them to notice.
4) Position or layout
If all the elements are displayed parallel to one another and are all of the same sizes, it will feel like all of them are of the same priority or prominence. Offset them and put them on a row of their own. That is the key for an ideal positioning in gaming UI.
5) Colour contrast, size, and animation
Use a unique and catchy color for the icon you want the player to notice the most. The same goes for sizing as well. The larger the icon, the more noticeable it tends to be. So, focus on the size and visibility of the icon that matters the most and seeks to be noticed. An animated, glowing spot in your game will grab the player’s attention from a distance and sets that spot apart from the rest. So, if you wish to contrast an element, you can opt for visual animation.
6) Using objective data
Designing interfaces are not at all a cake walk as it might look good but lack functionality or the other way round. The only way to ensure that your design works and whatever further changes you make just optimize your design is analytics. You will have to use A/B testing- the method that web designers and marketers use as well.
7) Use icons prudently
Icons are a critical thing when it comes to displaying it at the right spot. They can be confusing if not exhibited in the right proportion and at the right place. Appropriate labels are a good option when it comes to clarity with the icons. Anyhow, you must ensure that the labels or icons are understood by the user.
Hence, with these simple tips and tricks, we assure that you are all set to make your gaming UI shine.