Blog
Writing on UX, product design, gaming, and the tools that support the work.
What I learned building a game with AI in a weekend
I'm a game designer who can't code. With Claude, I built an RTS-chess hybrid in four hours. Here's what worked, what didn't, and what surprised me.
11 months without Figma
I joined a geotechnical SaaS company as Lead Product Designer. We haven't opened Figma once. Here's what replaced it.
How I write with AI
I use AI in my writing process. Here's exactly how: what it does, what I do, and where the line is.
Retention in live service games is a UX problem
Live service games live and die by retention. How onboarding, progression signals, and re-engagement loops keep players coming back.
UI for games where you switch characters
When a game lets you switch between characters, the UI has to switch with you. Patterns for multi-character HUDs, ability displays, and clean transitions.
What's next for game UX
How emerging technologies and changing player expectations are reshaping game UX, from AI-driven interfaces to cross-platform continuity.
Minimising cognitive load in complex game UX
How to reduce mental overhead in game interfaces without dumbing them down.
Leading neurodiverse design teams
Neurodiversity is the overlooked dimension of inclusion. How design leaders can build environments where ADHD, autistic, and dyslexic designers thrive.
UX is the retention lever games ignore
Graphics and gameplay get the headlines, but UX is the quiet force that determines whether players stay or leave. A deep look at retention mechanics.
Onboarding that teaches through play
First impressions decide whether a player stays. How to design game onboarding that teaches without patronizing, guides without railroading.
How to organise a UX team: roles and collaboration
Clear roles and structured collaboration frameworks are the difference between a design team that ships and one that spins. A practical guide.
Iterate on the process, not just the design
Great design processes aren't designed upfront. They're evolved. How to build continuous improvement into your UX workflow.
The role of gamification in UX design
Points, badges, and leaderboards are the shallow end. Real gamification is about motivation architecture.
3 reasons to use Hotjar as a designer
Why heatmaps, recordings, and feedback widgets belong in every designer's toolkit.