Usability in the Game World

Utilizing Norman's seven stages of action enables us as game developers to make informed design decisions. Even in our simple Settings menu example, we were able to use the stages to identify and regress several interface issues.

Moreover, we've learned that failure to adequately address all seven stages of action during the design process will ultimately hinder game progress for the player.

But the applicability of this system goes far beyond menu UI, and in fact can be used to evaluate most or all of your game's in-world interactions.

By way of example, here's a brief look at how addressing the seven stages can influence our design decisions in a first-person action game:

In-world Action: Throw a Plasma Bomb

Stage 1: Does the player know he has plasma bombs, and that he can throw them? (Is it displayed on the HUD? Is the HUD icon clear and understandable?)

Stage 2: Does the player understand whether this would be an opportune time to throw one? (Do plasma bombs work well in close quarters? How about underwater? Does the targeting reticule change when it's hovering over a valid target?)

Stage 3: Does the player know which button to press to throw a bomb? (Was he told in a tutorial but has since forgotten, and has his dog eaten the user's guide? If so, does the game provide instructions on-demand?)

Stage 4: Can the player physically press the correct button while doing other important things like moving and dodging? If it's a little kid on a big controller, can his tiny fingers work the analog stick and hit the plasma bomb button at the same time?

Stage 5: Is there satisfactory feedback to indicate that a plasma bomb was indeed thrown? Can he see and/or hear the bomb fly through the air? Even if it's dark, or in thick smoke? Did a HUD counter change?

If the player is out of bombs then is there feedback to indicate why a bomb didn't appear? An icon flashing on the HUD? His avatar groaning "damn, out of plasma"?

Stage 6: Did the plasma bomb work? (Was there an explosion? Other effects? Do enemies visibly appear to have been injured? Did it land in water and visibly fizzle out?)

Stage 7: Was the plasma bomb a successful weapon to use under these circumstances? (Was it effective against this type of enemy? Did it bounce off a wall and end up injuring the player? Was it a satisfying interaction?)

Piecing out each element in this game world action further illustrates that Norman's psychology-based approach has applicability far beyond the workings of his doors, ovens, and clock radios.

It's a flexible and useful heuristic tool that can be applied to not only UI and combat, but also to puzzles, boss fights, and nearly any other interaction the player might have with your game.