How do you use data to evaluate your game user experience?

1 Define your goals

Before you start collecting data, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your game UX. What are the main features, functions, and emotions that you want to deliver to your players? How do you measure the success of your game UX? What are the specific questions that you want to answer with data? By defining your goals, you can narrow down your focus and prioritize your data needs.

2 Choose your metrics

Metrics are the quantitative indicators that you use to measure your game UX. They can be divided into two categories: performance metrics and engagement metrics. Performance metrics are related to the technical aspects of your game UX, such as loading time, frame rate, error rate, and usability. Engagement metrics are related to the psychological aspects of your game UX, such as retention, monetization, satisfaction, and loyalty. You should choose the metrics that are relevant to your goals, and that can be tracked and analyzed easily.

3 Gather your data

There are many ways to gather data from your players, depending on your game platform, genre, and audience. Some of the most common methods are: analytics tools, surveys, interviews, focus groups, playtesting, and feedback forms. You should use a combination of methods that can provide you with both quantitative and qualitative data, and that can capture the different stages of your game UX, from the first impression to the long-term relationship.

4 Interpret your results

Once you have gathered your data, you need to interpret it and draw conclusions. You should use statistical methods, such as descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, to summarize, compare, and predict your data. You should also use visual methods, such as charts, graphs, and dashboards, to present and communicate your data. You should look for patterns, trends, outliers, and anomalies in your data, and try to explain them with your game UX design. You should also test your hypotheses, validate your assumptions, and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

5 Improve your game UX

The final step is to use your data to improve your game UX. You should use your data to make informed decisions, prioritize your actions, and implement changes. You should also use your data to evaluate the impact of your changes, and to iterate and refine your game UX design. You should always keep in mind your goals, your metrics, and your players' needs and expectations. By using data to evaluate your game UX, you can create a more engaging, enjoyable, and successful game.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?