UX designers shouldn’t have an opinion. Although you may find that statement exaggerated, I think it captures the mindset you need to work in this industry. As UX designers in the software industry, we don’t do things because we like them, or because they match our own preferences. We create and design what is objectively the best option for our user. Of course, you can never entirely eliminate subjectivity, but the decisions we make are usually supported by research. Not to mention the design principles and best practices that are industry standards.
Generally speaking, it makes sense to approach software and web development in a clinical, rational way. But, as with any rule, there are exceptions. There’s one industry in particular that’s producing software but sees itself as a special, unique field: Gaming. And I must admit, I tend to agree.
My own experience on a Keen Design project supporting a mid-sized video game studio on one of their upcoming titles backs up this view. Here are four key differences between design for regular software development versus design for gaming.