By Eunice Law Mei Yuan
Step aside, pixelated menus and clunky controls. The gaming landscape is about to undergo a digital makeover, and the architects of this revolution are the heroes we didn’t know we needed: UI/UX designers.
Buckle up, virtual warriors, because 2024 is here to redefine how we interact with our digital playgrounds.
Forget squinting at cluttered dashboards while hurtling through neon cityscapes – bento box UIs will neatly compartmentalize your vitals, letting you focus on the checkered flag, not deciphering hieroglyphics.
Imagine exploring uncharted tombs where the map dances in the air, a spectral guide through forgotten chambers. Spatial design shatters the screen barrier, weaving the UI into the fabric of the game itself.
But it is not just about fancy visuals. Animations become emotional storytellers, puzzles pulsate with the thrill of victory, and enemies throb with the fury of defeat. Every pixel becomes a brushstroke, painting a vibrant tapestry of information and immersion.
And remember, this revolution is not confined to a single controller. 2024 champions universal principles that transcend platforms, like a player-centric focus, where every decision revolves around making your adventure effortless.
Most importantly, accessibility takes center stage. 2024 celebrates diversity, offering multiple input methods, subtitles, and colorblind-friendly options to ensure everyone gets to join the gaming party.
Bento Boxes: Organization and Clarity
Say goodbye to information overload. 2024 introduces the “bento box” UI – a compartmentalized feast for the eyes. Imagine racing, where speed, lap time, and a mini-map live in separate, neatly labeled sections. No more squinting for vitals – bento boxes keep info organized and digestible, letting players focus on the checkered flag, not deciphering dashboards.
Imagine a racing game where the UI uses bento boxes to display the player’s speed, lap time, and mini-map. Each piece of information would be clearly separated and easy to find, without cluttering up the screen. This can help players focus on the race and make better decisions.
Spatial Design: Embrace the Third Dimension
The rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) has led to a growing interest in spatial design for games. Spatial design is all about using the three-dimensional space of the game world to create a more immersive and interactive experience for players.
This could involve using holographic menus, placing important information in the environment, or even allowing players to interact with the UI using their hands or gestures. For example, imagine an adventure game where the player can pick up and examine objects in the world to learn more about them. Spatial design blurs the line between screen and world, weaving the UI into the very fabric of the game.
Animation: Bringing UIs to Life
Static interfaces are becoming a relic of the past. Animations in 2024 bring UIs to life, adding a sprinkle of magic and a dash of feedback. Puzzles that dance when solved, enemies pulsing with rage – animation weaves a tapestry of emotion and information, immersing players deeper into the digital tapestry.
For example, the UI elements in a puzzle game animate when the player interacts with them. This can provide feedback to the player and make the game more satisfying to play. Animation can also be used to create a sense of anticipation or excitement, which can help to keep players hooked.
Beyond the Platform: Universal UI/UX Principles
While the specific trends mentioned above may vary depending on the platform (e.g., mobile, console, VR), there are some general UI/UX principles that will be important for all games in 2024.
Focus on the player: The UI should be designed first and foremost with the player in mind. It should be easy to use, understand, and navigate, and it should help the player to achieve their goals in the game.
Keep it simple: Avoid cluttering up the screen with too much information. Use clear and concise language, and make sure that the UI elements are easy to see and interact with.
Personalization Playground: Allow players to customize their UI to suit their own preferences. This could include things like changing the color scheme, layout, or even the language.
Accessibility for All: Make sure that your game is accessible to players of all abilities. This includes things like supporting different input methods, providing subtitles for audio, and offering colorblind-friendly options.
By following these core principles, developers can create UIs that are not only innovative and engaging, but also inclusive and accessible to all players.
The year 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for game UI/UX. With the rise of new technologies and the increasing focus on player experience, we can expect to see even more innovative and creative approaches to game design. By embracing trends like bento boxes, spatial design, and animation, and by focusing on the core principles of good UI/UX, developers can create games that are not only fun to play, but also beautiful and engaging to look at.
● Ms Eunice Law Mei Yuan
School of Design and Arts
Faculty of Business, Design and Arts
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
