How Representation of Game Information Affects Player Performance

The goal of this small experiment was to see if it could be determined whether or not user interface design and the way information is portrayed in a game can affect a player’s performance in that game. During this study, 26 anonymous participants selected one design of a timer from three different categories to be used in a simple, objective-based game. 10 different participants were then run through three levels of that game, with each level corresponding to a different version of timer. The amount of objectives completed were recorded, as well as their thoughts on which version they preferred and why. These results were then analyzed to determine if any conclusion could be reached. Regardless of outcome, it is my hope that this study will embolden others to find out more about how important a game’s interface is to the player’s experience