Conveying information and maintaining a distinct visual style can be difficult, especially if a game's user interface depends on having a clear and concise design to relay instructions to the player. 

In this 2017 GDC session, Mini Metro developer Jamie Churchman goes over the successes and failures of visual design in Mini Metro, examining how visual design and user interface decisions play a role in creating a gratifying experience for the player.

"The design process starts with understanding your subject matter," explains Churchman. "And in this case, that's understanding a game that's halfway in development. And that can start with a simple question: what is the game about?" 

Churchman uses that question to break down the parts of Mini Metro which would eventually lead toward a discussion on how to design a user interface that would encourage and explore those facets.

Visual and user interface designers interested in what did and didn't work for Mini Metro can now watch the talk completely free via the official GDC YouTube channel!

About the GDC Vault

In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault and its accompanying YouTube channel offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent Game Developers Conference events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers.

Those who purchased All Access passes to recent events like GDC or VRDC already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription via a GDC Vault subscription page. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company by contacting staff via the GDC Vault group subscription page. Finally, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault technical support.

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