Design verbs not objects

When designing any system, think first about the verbs present in that system. Designers will call these affordances, what does the object afford you the ability to do? Game designers call them game mechanics, which is closer to the truth. I call them verbs.

Verbs multiply the possibility of interaction which can create a space giving the participant agency. Combo moves in video games are an example of how just a few core interactions can combine to create a large amount of possibilities.

Objects have inherent verb associations, by designing with familiar objects you limit to specific verbs of interaction (button=click; tree=climb). By first designing the verbs of interaction, Verbs shape the design of objects.

Related: Vocabulary of computer interaction may still be nascent

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When designing interaction, Design verbs not objects

What writing can learn from game design

Design verbs not objects

Games are inherently engaging mediums

Games give a set of verbs to manipulate the game world (Design verbs not objects), known as game mechanics. There are typically one or two core mechanics (which define the genre) and then many more layers which can be introduced throughout playing the game.

ʘ Open Design Challenges

Design verbs not objects