User Interface Design
Ongoing coverage on User Interface Design.
Latest coverage
EVE Online shares overall design principles for giving its HUD ‘accessible complexity’
Fenris Creations is sharing its design principles for improving the user interface complexity in EVE Online, aiming for 'accessible complexity'. The studio's dev blogs will focus on making ship speed, overheating, and danger more legible without altering the HUD's core identity. Testing will be conducted through an opt-in beta.
Accessibility Features That Improve Both Video Games and Online Gaming Platforms - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Accessibility features are increasingly driving innovation in gaming, becoming an expected standard for millions of players. These improvements, ranging from customizable controls to larger text and colorblind modes, enhance the experience for all users, not just those with disabilities. The global market for accessible video games is substantial, reflecting the industry's investment in inclusive design, which is also being adopted by online gaming platforms to improve usability.
Controller at the Table: How Console UX Changed Online Card Rooms
Console user experience design principles, characterized by large targets and shallow menus, have significantly influenced the interface of online card rooms. This shift is evident in features like carousel rows, glanceable tiles, and simplified betting interfaces, mirroring the design language popularized by Xbox dashboards. The influence is reciprocal, with games like Balatro incorporating casino-like feedback design into console titles.
"I torture myself over every last detail": Stardew Valley's creator is having a real time of it with Haunted Chocolatier's recipe book interface
ConcernedApe, the creator of Stardew Valley, shared insights into the development of his upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier, specifically detailing the challenges of designing its recipe book interface. He emphasized the need for the UI to be seamless, clear, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing, requiring numerous iterations to achieve perfection. Barone also apologized for the lack of new screenshots, likening them to 'half-baked bread' and stating he doesn't need to market the game aggressively.
Rejoice! The Original Switch eShop Isn't Awful Anymore
Nintendo has updated the Nintendo Switch eShop, redesigning it to be a dedicated app rather than browser-based, significantly improving its speed and performance. The update also introduces a darker theme option, aligning it with the Switch 2's interface, though concerns remain about the prevalence of low-quality, AI-generated titles on the storefront.
Steam's store home page gets a fresh coat of paint and new tiles, but indie discoverability could take a hit
Valve has updated the Steam Store's home page with a focus on visual consistency and larger tiles, including features like trailer autoplay and a personalized calendar. However, changes to the 'Popular Upcoming' section may reduce discoverability for niche and indie PC games, potentially impacting their visibility.
Steam store redesign finally live for everyone
Valve has fully launched its redesigned Steam Store homepage, featuring a wider layout, larger game artwork, and improved experiences for Steam Deck and Big Picture Mode. Key additions include a Personalized Calendar for tailored game recommendations and expanded visibility for DLC and wishlist deals. The update also shifts focus in the 'Popular Upcoming' section towards major releases, potentially impacting indie game visibility.
Steam just got a huge new "refresh" as Valve updates its storefront from top to bottom, pulling it into the…
Valve has implemented a significant "refresh" of the Steam storefront, updating its design from top to bottom to be cleaner, more detailed, and easier to use. The changes include a more cohesive overall design, bigger images, detailed descriptions, personalized recommendations, and new sections for wishlists and DLC, aiming to improve game discovery and user experience on PC.
Poll: Do you like the new Steam store design, or is it 'hot garbage'?
A recent update to the Steam store has introduced new features and design tweaks, sparking a debate among users about its quality. While some users express strong negative reactions, calling the new design 'hot garbage,' others find it acceptable or even positive. The article encourages readers to share their opinions via a poll and comments.
Google's much-improved app icons are rolling out now
Google is rolling out updated app icons that feature improved visual differentiation compared to the previous versions released five years ago. The redesign aims to make the icons more distinct from one another.
Android Auto is getting a big makeover for 2026
Android Auto is set to receive a significant redesign for 2026, featuring a revamped user interface and support for widgets. The update will also introduce immersive 3D maps, enhancing the in-car digital experience.
Forza Horizon 6: Stop Building A Messy Garage
Modern mobile applications increasingly incorporate design principles from mobile games, such as constant feedback loops, progression systems, and reward timing, to maintain user engagement. This shift, often referred to as gamification, has blurred the lines between utility and entertainment apps, prioritizing emotional satisfaction and continuous interaction over pure functionality. The influence of live-service game design, with its focus on ongoing updates and player retention, is now a dominant force across various app categories.
Why Mobile Games and Everyday Apps Suddenly Speak the Same Language
Modern mobile apps increasingly adopt design principles from mobile games, blurring the lines between utility and entertainment. This convergence is driven by a focus on user engagement through pacing, constant feedback loops, and reward systems, making apps feel more interactive and less like static tools. This shift, originating from mobile gaming's need to maintain player attention, now influences nearly every category of app-based experience, prioritizing emotional satisfaction and continuous interaction over pure utility.
Original Xbox 360 Boot Screen Triggers Gaming Nostalgia Wave | HappyGamer
A viral tweet showcasing the original Xbox 360 startup screen has sparked a wave of nostalgia among gamers, reminiscing about the console's design and the era of online gaming. The article contrasts the 360's deliberate and elegant boot sequence with the faster but more cluttered interfaces of modern consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, arguing that current designs prioritize engagement metrics over player experience.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Ditches HUD for Pure Pirate Immersion | HappyGamer
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is being explored with a HUD-free mode called 'Resynced,' which integrates gameplay information directly into the world and character animations. This approach aims to enhance immersion by trusting players to interpret visual cues rather than relying on traditional interface elements. The design philosophy could influence future game interfaces, particularly in VR, by prioritizing narrative and environmental storytelling.
11 Xbox-Style UI Features Redefining Online Casinos
Online casinos are increasingly adopting user interface design principles inspired by Xbox consoles to enhance usability and engagement. Features like tile-based dashboards, instant access to recently played content, and built-in progression systems mirror Xbox's approach to speed and clarity. This shift aims to reduce friction, provide immediate feedback, and create a more consistent and visually appealing experience for players.
Spotify debuts a new UI just for tablets
Spotify has launched a new user interface specifically for tablets, featuring adaptive orientation that supports both portrait and landscape layouts. The updated design includes a collapsible sidebar for larger screens, parallel browsing for simultaneous scrolling and video/lyrics viewing, and a more prominent "switch to video" toggle. This new UI is rolling out today for both iPad and Android devices.
Overwatch Players Call Portrait System ‘Absurdly Overdesigned’ vs Original
Overwatch players are criticizing the portrait system in Overwatch 2, calling it 'absurdly overdesigned' compared to the simpler UI of the original Overwatch. The discussion, which gained significant traction on Reddit, highlights a community preference for clarity and functionality in game interfaces over excessive visual flair. Players hope Blizzard Entertainment will consider simplifying the portrait designs based on this feedback.
Steam Storefront Refresh
Steam has launched a beta update for its storefront, featuring a new layout designed to enhance game discoverability. This overhaul aims to address challenges presented by the vast number of titles available on the platform.
Steam's upcoming homepage overhaul makes finding new games so much easier
Valve is overhauling Steam's homepage to make it easier for users to discover new games amidst a growing library and an influx of AI-generated content. The update will provide more information on why games are recommended, include micro-trailers, and streamline the Discovery Queue. New sections for wishlisted items and DLC will also be added.
