Guidelines for designing fun experiences as proposed by E.M. Woolley

Guidelines-for-designing-fun-experiences.md

Guidelines for designing fun experiences

To be used as an analysis tool when designing or evaluating fun experiences

Prevents barriers to fun

1. Meets functional usability requirements

   • interface does not hinder use of system
   • there is no confusion on how system works or how to use it

2. Provides meaningful feedback; responds to user input/interaction

   • reduce the “unknown” factor
   • effective and attractive representation of communication process

3. Eliminates or reduces fear of failure

   • should reduce anxiety
   • provide a feeling of safety
   • avoid creating non-transparent situations

4. Can be learned by doing and from others; no instructions required

   • instructions impede fun
   • requirement for functional usability

5. Provides distraction from daily burdens

   • allows mind to rest
   • relieved from constraints of “work”

Enhances fun

6. Fulfills an emotional need(s)

   • accomplishment
   • rest, relaxation
   • connection to others
   • allows user to express emotion

7. Flexible interaction

   • different from multimodal
   • use a variety of different ways
   • can accommodate user’s work patterns

8. Enables creativity and discovery

   • users feel like active participants
   • find new ways to do things

9. Makes completing a task feel less like completing a task

   • feel less burdensome and scheduled
   • remove the monotony out of doing a task

10. User interface can be personalized or customized

• provides ownership & connection to system
• fit the way users like to work

Source: "Fun: An Exploration in its Relevance to Interaction Design" Thesis by Elise M. Woolley, B.S. (Ohio State University, 2010)