User Interface: Criticism and Complaints
(Viewing URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_lY0yVYjoI&fmt=22 )
Seen here is an interface currently in design for the game "In The Groove". Being a work in progress, many people have commented on it's "fresh new look" from the original, dull, red theme. However, with change also comes massive amounts of criticism of both constructing, and non-constructive.
During the last few months of development, videos and still images of this new theme have been posted on various forums where other players and interface-designers can comment on the work done. While the overall reaction has been positive, there have been many complaints about "moving away from the original", "overuse of bevel", and, of course, the traditional "OMG THIS SUCKS LEARN 2 PHOTOSHOP". While at times these can seem belittling of the work that has been done, all types of complaints about the current design (sans the last one) can be used to improve the overall final project.
Criticism involving the "originality" of the project has both it's positives and flaws. While the goal of the project was to create an entirely new new interface, the design was becoming so outlandish and unfitting that the general "feel" of the game just didn't seem to fit everything the game originally had, so elements were redesigned to have more of the classic style the original had. The other, almost completely obvious, flaw with beveling seen in the video involved a complete redesign of most elements seen. Now, the over-beveled elements feature a slick, gray style that blends well with the other style seen in the"gameplay" screen, without having the overuse of horrible sharp edges.
About "LEARNING 2 PHOTOSHOP", I think that's been covered already.
Overall, the constant user feedback by posting public viewable content has led the project to become the best it can. Without this, it would have been in the same state, receiving the same criticism upon release. Unfortunately, were that to happen, the design changes would be impossible to implement, and the final product would be far, far from spectacular.
(Viewing URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_lY0yVYjoI&fmt=22 )
Seen here is an interface currently in design for the game "In The Groove". Being a work in progress, many people have commented on it's "fresh new look" from the original, dull, red theme. However, with change also comes massive amounts of criticism of both constructing, and non-constructive.
During the last few months of development, videos and still images of this new theme have been posted on various forums where other players and interface-designers can comment on the work done. While the overall reaction has been positive, there have been many complaints about "moving away from the original", "overuse of bevel", and, of course, the traditional "OMG THIS SUCKS LEARN 2 PHOTOSHOP". While at times these can seem belittling of the work that has been done, all types of complaints about the current design (sans the last one) can be used to improve the overall final project.
Criticism involving the "originality" of the project has both it's positives and flaws. While the goal of the project was to create an entirely new new interface, the design was becoming so outlandish and unfitting that the general "feel" of the game just didn't seem to fit everything the game originally had, so elements were redesigned to have more of the classic style the original had. The other, almost completely obvious, flaw with beveling seen in the video involved a complete redesign of most elements seen. Now, the over-beveled elements feature a slick, gray style that blends well with the other style seen in the"gameplay" screen, without having the overuse of horrible sharp edges.
About "LEARNING 2 PHOTOSHOP", I think that's been covered already.
Overall, the constant user feedback by posting public viewable content has led the project to become the best it can. Without this, it would have been in the same state, receiving the same criticism upon release. Unfortunately, were that to happen, the design changes would be impossible to implement, and the final product would be far, far from spectacular.
I thought your topic was interesting, but I was wondering why you decided on it. Were you just exploring new media formats? Anyway, I’d have to agree with the fact that learning photoshop could go a long way in this case. I think the interface is a bit extravagant even though they are trying to pull away from the old image. I think the new design somewhat fits into that old style gaming theme while employing some new methods of graphic use. I do believe the information design could be a bit more intuitive. I’m curious as to why you may be following this project, are you a game designer yourself?
ReplyDeleteI’ve always thought it was cool how In The Groove alone has nearly become its own cult, even more so than Dance Dance Revolution ever has. Up until this year I never realized how completely oblivious I’ve been of just how many people all over the place (especially on campus) are co-developers just working together on it. It still is just astounding to me how the combined efforts of ordinary people more than anything manage to keep ITG alive and thriving, without the help of the company.
ReplyDeleteAs for the new design, I look forward to seeing it for real! The quality in the video is utterly outstanding though.
@ Jess
ReplyDeleteI've decided on this because I'm actually one of the main developers working on this project. I've done extensive graphic work and coding animations and overlays.
It's that constructive criticism that drives me to make this work the best it can. Not only that, but I also teach myself new things in Photoshop as the project progresses.