start at the end

designing any experience

originally published on my substack Caroline’s Notes as issue 17 on Feb 20, 2023

there is beauty in knowing how this will all end. knowing the end gives a direction and necessary constraints so we can navigate challenges with clarity.

think about games. game designers have a framework in mind when designing player experience. one framework is called MDA by three game designers Robin Hunicke, Robert Zubek, and Marc Leblanc (research paper here).

it stands for Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics.

from an explainer video by Game Maker’s Toolkit

from an explainer video by Game Maker’s Toolkit

• mechanics are the rules and design decisions made by the game designer that guide how the game works.
• dynamics are the actions or behaviors the player takes on while playing the game.
• aesthetics are the feelings the player feels while playing the game.

Dynamics = Actions. Aesthetics = Feelings.