The Importance of Product Design and Thinking Methodologies for Games

The development of electronic games has reached impressive levels of complexity and sophistication. However, the lack of dedicated design methodologies is one of the major challenges faced by both independent developers and large studios. In this context, the intersection of product design approaches and design thinking practices emerges as a promising solution to bring organization, creativity, and efficiency to game design.

The Lack of Design Methodologies in Game Design

Brian Fargo, creator of franchises like Wasteland, often highlights the importance of planning and iteration in game development. However, it is common to observe developers, especially independent ones, neglecting structured processes, resulting in poorly finished, confusing games that do not meet players' expectations. Even large developers face similar issues: titles like Anthem and Cyberpunk 2077 demonstrated how the lack of an organized approach can negatively impact a multimillion-dollar project.

Jesse Schell, in his book The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, argues that game design should be an interactive and multidisciplinary practice. However, the insufficient use of clear and effective design methodologies often hinders the implementation of this philosophy. This challenge has also been addressed by Roberta Williams, a pioneer in narrative games, who has always emphasized the importance of deeply understanding the problem one wants to solve before beginning any creation.

Product Design Methodologies Applied to Game Design

Authors like Bruno Munari and Gui Bonsiepe are widely recognized for their contributions to product design. Munari, in his book Things Are Born from Things, emphasizes that a design process should be iterative, with constant analyses and testing. This approach is easily adaptable to game design, where iteration and playtesting play crucial roles.

Gui Bonsiepe, in turn, discusses the importance of understanding user needs in product design. In games, this translates into empathy with players, ensuring that mechanics and narratives align with the expectations and desires of the target audience. The user experience should be central to all decisions, from choosing mechanics to artistic direction.

Design Thinking as a Foundation

Design thinking, with its maxim "a well-defined problem is a well-solved problem," offers a clear pathway to structure creative processes. The theory of the 5 Whys is particularly useful for identifying root causes of problems in game development. For instance, if a game is not engaging players, one must ask: "Why are players not engaged?" and repeat the process until reaching the true core of the problem.

Will Wright, creator of The Sims, exemplifies how design thinking can be successfully applied to game design. Wright has always emphasized the importance of understanding human interactions and how they reflect in game systems. His focus on rapid prototyping and feedback collection shows how design thinking can guide the development of innovative experiences.

Gestalt and Dopamine Triggers in Game Design

The principles of Gestalt, widely used in visual design and products, can also be applied to game design. Elements like proximity, similarity, continuity, and closure help create clear interfaces and intuitive game mechanics. For instance, continuity can be used to guide players through the environment, while closure helps create satisfying experiences by allowing players to "complete" ideas or objectives naturally.

Additionally, dopamine triggers play a vital role in creating addictive and rewarding experiences. Triggers like variable rewards, instant feedback, and clear goals can be structured within a design methodology. Jesse Schell discusses the importance of well-planned rewards to keep players engaged, which also resonates with the product design principles presented by Mike Baxter.

The Intersection of Disciplines

By applying principles of product design to game design, it is possible to create robust and replicable design methodologies. Cliff Bleszinski, creator of Gears of War, highlighted that "design is solving problems," a perspective that echoes Mike Baxter's teachings in Product Design: A Practical Guide to Systematic Methods of New Product Development. Systematization, therefore, does not limit creativity but provides a foundation for exploring it more effectively.

Universal Applicability

One of the great virtues of design methodologies is their flexibility. The same tools and approaches used to create physical products can be adapted for game design, services, and even everyday solutions. A well-structured methodology not only organizes creative thinking but also reduces risks and increases the chances of success.

Conclusion

Game design, like any form of design, greatly benefits from clear and structured design methodologies. By combining insights from product design experts like Bruno Munari and Gui Bonsiepe with practices from leaders in game design like Jesse Schell and Will Wright, it is possible to create more cohesive, innovative, and successful games. Design thinking, with its focus on clearly defining problems and iterative solutions, serves as a powerful foundation not only for game design but for any creative process. Furthermore, the inclusion of Gestalt principles and the use of dopamine triggers add layers of depth and engagement, ensuring experiences that are both functional, intuitive, and emotionally rewarding.