How Video Games Taught Us UX: From Pac-Man's Simplicity to PlayStation's Sleek Design

Introduction

🎮 Did you know your favorite video games secretly trained you to expect great UX design? Long before apps like Instagram or TikTok prioritized smooth interfaces, games like Pac-Man and Super Mario Bros. were already mastering the art of intuitive user experience (UX). In this post, we’ll explore how classic and modern video games laid the groundwork for the HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) principles we use today—and why even your PlayStation’s menu is a UX masterpiece! 

1. Pac-Man (1980): The Birth of Clear Feedback

    Pac-Man’s UI was simple but revolutionary.

When Pac-Man hit arcades in 1980, it wasn’t just about chasing ghosts—it was a masterclass in instant feedback. The game’s interface included three key elements:  

- A score counter (top-left) rewarding every pellet eaten.  

- A "lives" system (bottom-left) showing progress at a glance.  

- A maze layout with clear visual cues (e.g., power pellets glowing).  

HCI Principle in Action:

Pac-Man’s design taught us that users stay engaged when they receive immediate, unambiguous feedback. Today, this principle lives on in apps like Duolingo (streak counters) or fitness trackers (progress rings).

2. Super Mario Bros. (1985): Tutorials Without Words

Mario’s first level taught players through design, not text.

In Super Mario Bros., players learned to run, jump, and stomp enemies—all without a single tutorial pop-up. How? The first level’s design:  

- A Goomba (enemy) placed early forced players to jump.  

- Question blocks encouraged experimentation (tap to get coins!).  

- The timer (top-right) created urgency without explanation.  

HCI Principle in Action:

This "learn by doing" approach reduces cognitive load—a core UX goal. Modern apps like TikTok use similar tactics (e.g., swipe-up gestures) to feel intuitive.  

3. PlayStation (1990s-Present): Complexity Made Simple

The PS5’s Control Center prioritizes efficiency.

Fast-forward to the PlayStation 5. Modern games are complex, but the PS5’s UI keeps things seamless. For example:  

- The Control Center (press PlayStation button) lets you adjust settings, check notifications, or join voice chat—all without closing your game.  

- Activity Cards suggest in-game goals (e.g., "Defeat 3 bosses") to keep players focused.  

HCI Principle in Action:  

This design follows Fitts’s Law—placing frequently used options (settings, friends list) in easy-to-reach zones. It’s why Netflix’s "Continue Watching" row is always front-and-center!  

Conclusion

From Pac-Man’s glowing pellets to the PS5’s slick menus, video games prove that good UX feels invisible—until it’s done wrong. Next time you rage-quit over a confusing app, remember: game designers spent decades perfecting the art of keeping you hooked (in the best way possible)!

Your Turn: What’s your favorite game interface? Share in the comments below! 👇