What do you do if your problem-solving skills as a game designer need improvement?

1 Identify the problem

The first step to solving any problem is to clearly define what it is and why it matters. Sometimes, the problem may be vague, complex, or hidden by other issues. To identify the problem, you need to ask yourself some questions, such as: What is the goal of the game or the feature? What is preventing you from achieving it? What are the constraints and assumptions that you have to work with? What are the expectations and needs of the players and the stakeholders? By answering these questions, you can narrow down the scope of the problem and focus on the most important aspects.

3 Generate solutions

The third step is to generate possible solutions for each subproblem. This is where you can unleash your creativity and explore different options and alternatives. You can use different techniques to generate solutions, such as: Brainstorming, which is a process of generating as many ideas as possible without judging or filtering them. Divergent thinking, which is a process of expanding your perspective and looking for novel or unconventional ideas. Convergent thinking, which is a process of narrowing down your options and selecting the most feasible and effective ones. By generating solutions, you can find new ways to approach the problem and overcome the obstacles.

4 Evaluate solutions

The fourth step is to evaluate the solutions that you have generated and choose the best one for the problem. This is where you need to use your critical thinking and judgment skills to weigh the pros and cons of each solution. You can use different criteria to evaluate solutions, such as: Compatibility, which is how well the solution fits with the goal, the constraints, and the expectations of the game. Feasibility, which is how realistic and achievable the solution is in terms of time, resources, and skills. Effectiveness, which is how well the solution solves the problem and improves the gameplay experience. By evaluating solutions, you can make informed and rational decisions that suit the problem and the game.

5 Implement solutions

The fifth step is to implement the solution that you have chosen and see how it works in practice. This is where you need to execute your plan and make the changes that you have proposed. You can use different tools and methods to implement solutions, such as: Coding, which is writing the instructions and commands that make the game function. Art, which is creating the visual and audio elements that make the game appealing. Design, which is organizing the elements and systems that make the game interactive. By implementing solutions, you can transform your ideas into reality and deliver the game or the feature that you have designed.

6 Review solutions

The final step is to review the solution that you have implemented and evaluate its results and impacts. This is where you need to collect feedback and data and measure the outcomes and effects of the solution. You can use different sources and metrics to review solutions, such as: Playtesting, which is observing and interviewing the players who play the game or the feature. Analytics, which is collecting and analyzing the quantitative data that shows the behavior and performance of the players and the game. Iteration, which is making adjustments and improvements to the solution based on the feedback and data. By reviewing solutions, you can learn from your experience and refine your problem-solving skills as a game designer.