In the world of design, the phrase ‘game first‘ has increasingly become a mantra for modern digital designers. These designers prioritize fun, engagement, and interactivity – hallmarks of gaming – in creating captivating digital experiences for users. This shift in thinking is partly a result of the influence of video gaming on cultural norms, but also reflects deeper changes in how we think about digital interaction. The infusion of gaming principles into design is not just about co-opting the vibrant, flashy aesthetics of games, but about transforming the act of design itself into a ‘game first’ activity.
The concept ‘game first’ is essentially a user-centric approach to design, which emphasizes the need to engage users in an interactive, immersive, and enjoyable experience. It understands the human desire for play and excitement and leverages this innate inclination to elevate the user’s experience. In short, ‘game first’ is about redefining the user as a player in a game-like world full of fun, challenges, and rewards.
This ‘game first’ approach has found its most ingenious application in digital product design, web design, and software design – fields that have embraced the principles of gamification to enhance user engagement. This innovative strategy has helped many designers to meet the high demands of today’s digital world, paving the way for a new approach to designing digital experiences that are immersive, engaging, and ultimately more fun.
Many designers getting a ‘diploma of design’ are now exposed to the techniques, theories, and strategies of gamification as part of their curriculum. This level of exposure to gamification in the course of their design training is a testament to the importance that ‘game first’ now holds in the world of design. It is no longer enough to simply design visually appealing products; designers must also think about how to transform these products into experiences that users feel a part of and have a stake in.
Therefore, though not every future designer will work on video games or gamified apps, the ‘game first’ mindset can inform and enrich the work of designers in diverse fields. From e-commerce websites to mobile apps, and from digital advertising to virtual reality, the rules of the game are being rewritten to focus on the user’s journey, making it interactive, fun, and rewarding.
In conclusion, ‘game first’ is a design philosophy that puts the user at the center of the design process, viewing them as active participants rather than passive consumers. It is about creating meaningful, enjoyable, and interactive experiences that harness the power of play. This is a shift that can be seen in the skills and knowledge imparted to those acquiring a ‘diploma of design’, reflecting how ‘game first’ has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of what design is and can be. The future of design is here, and it’s looking a lot like a game.