Only somewhat related to the article, but It's amazing to me how much audio + animation adds to the user experience for games, and even some apps.
Not a checkmark at all, but the way games like Smash Bros Ultimate makes pressing around menus sound totally exciting and satisfying. The sound, the lightning/sparks, and how it all rumbles slightly on press. Yes I know Smash has some UX issues, but overall the craftsmanship for simple things is amazing.
Someone had to design and prototype that, similar to the author of this article. I'm not sure this particular example is great tbh, but I am sure there's a lot of "pointless" exploration needs to happen before landing on something great.
As long as we're talking about the switch, I love the design of the actual switch OS. It's so minimalist and snappy, everything feels clicky and does what I expect. There's nothing extra added in just for the sake of it.
Holding down B to exit menus in SSBU is awful! But I actually like the interaction of entering menus that uses the same pattern. I think it’s because I don’t mind the anticipation of moving forward, but hate the drag of not being allowed to go back.
What do you mean "Not being allowed to go back"? You hold 'B' and it plays a sound and vibrates the controller to reinforce that something is happening. It's allowing you to go back while also preventing you from going back (and losing all your configuration) accidentally.
Not a checkmark at all, but the way games like Smash Bros Ultimate makes pressing around menus sound totally exciting and satisfying. The sound, the lightning/sparks, and how it all rumbles slightly on press. Yes I know Smash has some UX issues, but overall the craftsmanship for simple things is amazing.
Someone had to design and prototype that, similar to the author of this article. I'm not sure this particular example is great tbh, but I am sure there's a lot of "pointless" exploration needs to happen before landing on something great.