See Iwata's Mindset
Satoru Iwata (RIP) the former CEO of Nintendo gave this super inspiring insight into the companies mindset. They seem to be creative, ingenious, pleasant, polite, and have a clear vision. Combining all that to create unique products and a real purpose for the #1 buzzword at the time: second screen.
How Nintendo Incorporated UX
Nintendo is a household name in the world of video games, known for creating some of the most iconic and beloved games of all time. However, Nintendo's success is not just due to their great game design, but also their focus on user experience (UX) design.
Nintendo has a long history of incorporating UX design into their products. One of the company's early breakthroughs in this area was the development of the D-pad, a directional pad on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) controller that revolutionized the way players interacted with games. The D-pad allowed for precise and intuitive movement, and its success paved the way for future innovations in controller design.
Nintendo's commitment to UX design extends beyond hardware, however. The company is known for creating games that are easy to pick up and play, but also offer deep and engaging experiences. One of the key elements of Nintendo's game design philosophy is what the company calls "lateral thinking with withered technology." This means using existing technology in unexpected ways to create new gameplay experiences. For example, the motion controls of the Wii and the touch screen of the Nintendo DS allowed for unique and innovative gameplay mechanics that had not been seen before.
In recent years, Nintendo has continued to push the boundaries of UX design with the release of the Nintendo Switch. The Switch is a hybrid console that can be used both as a home console and a portable device, offering players the flexibility to play their favorite games wherever they are. The Switch's user interface is designed to be simple and intuitive, with a focus on quick and easy navigation. The system also features the Joy-Con controllers, which can be used in a variety of configurations to suit different play styles.
Beyond the hardware, Nintendo has also made efforts to improve the UX of its online services. The company's online subscription service, Nintendo Switch Online, offers features like cloud saves and online multiplayer, as well as a growing library of classic NES and SNES games. The service's interface is designed to be easy to use, with a focus on finding and playing games quickly and easily.
In conclusion, Nintendo's success in the video game industry is due in no small part to their dedication to UX design. From innovative hardware design to intuitive game mechanics, Nintendo has consistently prioritized the user experience in their products. As the company continues to innovate and evolve, it is clear that UX design will continue to play a crucial role in their success.