From the microwave to a musical instrument, everything has an interface guiding how we engage with it. Even a guitar has its interface — strings, frets, and tuners — that allows a musician to express themselves. In workplaces, we might even describe a colleague’s “interface” as their facial expressions and demeanor, which hint at their openness to conversation. Video games take these concepts further by transforming interfaces into storytelling tools that blend seamlessly with immersive worlds. Here’s how skeuomorphism and diegetic design shape the way players connect with games.
Skeuomorphism: Familiar Forms in Digital Worlds
Skeuomorphism is rooted in using familiar shapes and forms in new contexts. It dates back to James Gibson’s 1970s theory of affordances, which suggests that humans perceive the world as a set of possibilities for interaction. In gaming, this could manifest as a white-painted cliff in Uncharted, signaling to players that they can climb it, or as the ramp truck in GTA, reminding drivers of a potential stunt jump.
This design principle guides players intuitively by mimicking objects and interactions from real life. Take, for instance, a digital synthesizer designed to look like a physical one. By preserving familiar knobs, sliders, and keys, musicians can easily adapt their real-world skills to the digital medium. Such skeuomorphic designs make interfaces more accessible by reducing the cognitive load for users.
Evolution of Design: From Realism to Minimalism
Interfaces have evolved with changing technology and user preferences. A notable shift occurred in 2014 when Microsoft introduced the Metro style in its mobile operating system. This design replaced skeuomorphic elements like shadows and highlights with a flat, grid-like pattern of tiles. Apple and Google followed suit, embracing simplicity and scalability in their UI designs.
Yet, flat design isn’t always suitable for games, which often prioritize the coherence of their universes. For example, a mobile farming game might feature plump, tactile buttons and rounded icons to enhance the user’s sense of playfulness, whereas a PC-based action RPG might opt for sleek, minimal icons that emphasize functionality. Both approaches serve the overarching goal: to immerse players without interrupting their experience.
Diegetic Interfaces: Bridging Game and Reality
Diegetic design pushes immersion further by embedding interfaces directly into the game’s world. A quintessential example is Dead Space, where health indicators appear on the protagonist’s suit, and inventory screens are projected as holograms he manipulates in real-time. This design ensures that the interface doesn’t break the flow of gameplay, enhancing both tension and engagement.
Similarly, the Fallout series integrates its Pip-Boy device into the narrative. The device reflects the character’s socio-economic background and becomes a tangible element of the game’s universe. Players use it to navigate maps, check inventory, and track stats, all without breaking immersion.
Narrative-Driven Interfaces: Designing with Purpose
A well-designed UI tells a story. Consider Outer Worlds, where players create their character while a scientist “thaws” the protagonist from cryosleep. This contextual setup transforms a functional task into a narrative moment, drawing players deeper into the game’s world.
In Detroit: Become Human, android characters use interfaces that reflect their roles and capabilities. For instance, a domestic robot might have tools for managing household chores, while a detective android is equipped with crime scene analysis features. These tailored interfaces reinforce the narrative and deepen the player’s connection to the characters.
Audio and Visual Indicators: Engaging All Senses
Immersion isn’t confined to visuals. Audio cues can significantly enhance the player’s experience. For example, in some RPGs, a character’s voice might express frustration over depleted mana instead of displaying a generic error message. These auditory details bring characters to life and deepen the player’s connection to the game.
To Sum Up: UI as the Language of Storytelling
UI design in games transcends mere functionality. It serves as a bridge between players and the game world, narrating stories and guiding experiences without words. Whether through skeuomorphism, diegetic elements, or auditory cues, thoughtful interfaces transform games into unforgettable journeys.
At Innovecs, we understand the critical role UI plays not only in enhancing gameplay but also in connecting the virtual and real worlds. Our team of experts excels in crafting intuitive and immersive interfaces that enrich experiences and set new standards in the industry. As technology evolves, so does our passion for pushing the boundaries of UI design, continually redefining how players interact with virtual worlds.