Usability is the ease with which an object or system can be understood and learned. Usability in gaming is related to learning curves, intuitiveness, and lessening accidental player confusion or frustration
Usability is the ease with which an object or system can be understood and learned. Usability in gaming is related to learning curves, intuitiveness, and lessening accidental player confusion or frustration.
Common usability questions would focus on learning curves, considerations when utilizing specific input methods, tutorials, and intuitiveness of GUIs and game mechanics.
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Concerning game development, usability is often considered when designing
Mechanics - Are the systems and decisions available to the player obvious, easy to learn, and easy to implement?
Graphical user interfaces - Is the GUI easily understood, accessible to individuals with disabilities, intuitive, and easily utilized to achieve a desired outcome?
Inputs - Are the common input methods considered when designing the various elements? E.g. Are the size of touchable areas easy to hit for a touch-screen-based game?
Tutorials - Is the tutorial accessible to those who need it the most? Does it readily explain the complexities of the systems in an easily understood way?
Text - Considering the various traits of text (typography), is the text legible? Does it cause strain on the eyes? Are the contrast, size, color, font, and more all appropriate for the situation and for all potential players?
Icons - Are icons either intuitive enough to be understood without explanation or common symbols that are readily recognized? Are they understood even outside of the designer's cultural perspectives (i.e. understood across the globe among all potential players)?