Evaluating Educational Game via User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Elements

Abstract

The user interface (UI) is an access point where users interact with applications and systems. It might be as simple as a visual display overlaying on a screen, controlled by a pair of analogue potentiometers. Nowadays, UI has become a crucial component in video games and a significant factor in the user experience (UX). Users judge designs quickly and care most about usability and appeal, for instance, the surface and overall feel of a design. This research proposes an approach for evaluating UI in existing educational games that can assist educational game designers in developing even more engaging and rewarding games. The critical analysis is based on the ten (10) UI elements connected to each selected game. Simultaneously, this study describes an educational game in terms of experience and its impact on players based on UI elements. To this end, a conceptual framework for designing and developing an educational gaming platform based on the UI elements identified has been explored and analysed for future development.