OPTIMIZING USER EXPERIENCE FOR VISUALIZATION OF LIKABILITY IN MOBILE SIMULATION GAMES

Abstract

This work investigates the optimal visualization of character likability in the User Interface (UI) of three highly popular mobile simulation games available on the Google Play Store in South Korea. This character UI was validated through expert interviews, employing a game UI usability evaluation. Further, the identified character likability UI elements were implemented in the ongoing development of the simulation game, 9 Dreams M, to enhance user feedback and overall experiences. The study developed an evaluation method by amalgamating three usability approaches: the KS X ISO/IEC 25010/25023 software quality standard usability, Jakob Nielsen’s 10 heuristic principles, and Korhonen’s mobile game usability heuristics. The results revealed that the three highly popular mobile simulation games presented a visually clear and effective UI index, illustrating the fluctuations in each character’s likability based on the user’s text line selections. This design facilitated users in conveniently monitoring the total likability of each target character throughout the gameplay. In contrast, 9 Dreams M lacked clear feedback regarding the fluctuation of character likability in response to user storyline choices and failed to provide a cumulative likability score for each character. Consequently, users faced challenges in determining which storylines or endings to pursue. Building upon these findings, the study proposed an improved UI design and validated its usability through implementation in the ongoing development of the simulation visual novel game.