Usability heuristics in the context of control features on mobile games

Abstract

This research is proposing for a new usability heuristics in the context of control features on mobile games for the use of touchscreen devices. Usability is the ease of use and learnability of a human-made object while heuristics generic name for a set of techniques that involve inspectors examining the user interface to check whether it complies with a set of design principles. Due to small size and senseless feel of the touchscreens, these conventional usability heuristics is not suitable for use. Some references were made in order to develop a preliminary design for the new usability heuristics. Moreover, the design is based on two references; the Nielsen's Ten Heuristics and the ideas of Mark Overmars on how to design a good iPhone Games. This paper discusses the preliminary design ideas for designing the new usability heuristics for this specific use. Focusing on the control aspects, this preliminary model comprises of eight usability features which will be discussed more briefly in the next part of this paper. The results of this study will provide mobile game designers with a set of usability heuristics (control aspects) as their guidelines for designing and evaluating mobile games.