What HCI designers can learn from video game designers

Computer users have tasks they need to perform, and are therefore motivated to overcome poorly designed interfaces. With video games, there is no external motivation for the task — if the game’s interface is not compelling and entertaining, the product fails in the marketplace. Many aspects of game design, such as an attractor mode to draw users toward the game, have direct relevance to other domains, such as information kiosks. This panel will consist of video game designers who will relate their design methodologies, techniques, and other experiences which will help HCI designers create more compelling, engaging, and effective interfaces. The panel will consist of panelists’ presentations followed by a large allocation of time for interaction with the audience’s questions. The panelists’ presentations will include demonstration examples drawn from coin-operated and computer-based games.