Category: UX Principles

As a board game designer, you aren’t just building systems; you’re managing the player’s cognitive load and creating an experience. Whether you’re teaching a complex ruleset or pacing a two-hour epic, you are constantly battling the limitations of human memory. One of the most persistent hurdles you may not even be aware of is known…

The Von Restorff Effect, discovered by German psychiatrist Hedwig von Restorff in 1933, describes how distinctive items stand out in memory better than similar items. Her research found that when people see a list of similar items with one visually distinct element, they remember that distinctive item far better than the others. This psychological principle…

Tesler’s Law, also known as the Law of Conservation of Complexity, states that every system has an inherent amount of complexity that cannot be eliminated—it can only be moved around. Named after computer scientist Larry Tesler, this principle reveals a fundamental truth: complexity doesn’t disappear through good design; instead, designers choose who handles it. The…

The Zeigarnik Effect, named after psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, describes the human tendency to remember unfinished or interrupted tasks better than completed ones. This happens because an incomplete task creates a state of mental tension and cognitive dissonance, which keeps the task active in our working memory. Once the task is completed, this tension is relieved,…

Working memory is like a mental workspace that allows us to hold onto information for short periods while we use it to complete tasks, such as solving problems or making decisions. It helps us juggle different pieces of information at once, enabling us to think and reason effectively in everyday situations. Research shows that the…

Delayed complexity in board games refers to the design strategy where rules or mechanics are introduced only when players are ready to engage with them, rather than being explained upfront. This approach allows for a smoother learning curve, as players can focus on mastering simpler aspects of the game initially. By gradually unveiling complex elements…

Chunking in design refers to the strategy of breaking down complex information into smaller, manageable units or “chunks” to enhance user understanding and retention. By organizing content into chunks, designers can create a more navigable and digestible experience, making it easier for users to process information efficiently. This principle is particularly effective in visual design,…

The Peak-End Rule means that people remember an experience mainly by how they felt at the best point and the end, not by considering every moment equally. With this in mind, it is wise to carefully consider what the experience is like at its “peak” and then what it’s like when it ends. A good…

The field of UX is research-based. That is to say, the basic idea is we don’t know what users want; we have to go talk to them to find out. On top of this, all the methods and guiding principles of UX are based on research. From that research various principles and laws have emerged.…