What UX designers can learn from video games?

Video games aren’t just entertainment—they’re masterclasses in user experience. Games like Skyrim, The Witcher, and even Mario Kart keep players hooked by making every interaction smooth, intuitive, and rewarding. Imagine if apps and websites felt just as engaging. Here’s what video games teach us about great UX design.

1. Onboarding Should Feel Like Playing, Not Learning

Think about how Pokémon games start. You’re not overwhelmed with instructions but introduced to mechanics through gameplay — catching your first Pokémon, battling a rival. Apps can use this approach by teaching users as they explore, rather than dumping tutorials upfront.

2. Reward Progress, No Matter How Small

Why do games like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing feel so addictive? They reward even the smallest actions, like watering plants or catching bugs. Apps can mimic this by adding milestones or achievements that celebrate users’ progress, whether it’s completing a task or hitting a streak.

3. Navigation That Feels Like a Mini-Map

In open-world games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a well-designed mini-map ensures you never feel lost. Apps need similar tools—clear menus and subtle visual cues—so users always know where to go next.

4. Feedback Is Everything

Ever noticed how satisfying it is when your attack lands in a game like Dark Souls or your puzzle piece clicks in Tetris? That’s feedback done right. Apps should make every action feel acknowledged, whether it’s a button animation or a success message after an upload.

5. Gradual Complexity Keeps Users Hooked

Remember how early levels in Super Mario Bros. are simple but slowly introduce harder challenges? Apps can adopt this too, starting with basic features and unlocking advanced ones over time, helping users grow confident as they use the platform.

6. Create Immersive Worlds, Even in Small Spaces

The Witcher 3 pulls you into its world with rich details, consistent design, and a compelling story. Apps and websites can replicate this by keeping their branding cohesive and focusing on storytelling, even in microcopy and visuals.

Games remind us that great design isn’t just about functionality; it’s about making users feel something—accomplishment, curiosity, or even joy. By taking lessons from video games, we can design experiences that are as engaging as our favorite quests.