Posts Tagged ‘Microsoft Office’
Ribbon Hero uses game design principles to help users learn Microsoft Office
Kathy Sierra, design and usability advocate, is famous for saying, “If you want people to RTFM, make a better FM.” In 2007, Danc, a game designer and author of the Lost Garden blog, claimed that any user activity that can be learned, measured, and returned as feedback can be made into a game.
An alternative to Minesweeper?
Some folks on Microsoft’s Office Labs team took up the challenge. They’ve released a game called Ribbon Hero, which helps users master the Microsoft Office “ribbon” toolbar.
Danc discusses the design philosophy behind Ribbon Hero and shares his thoughts on turning a traditional application design into one that incorporates learning, fun, and a sense of accomplishment.
I’ve always thought that computer games have a lot to teach the rest of the software industry about design and usability. It’s fascinating to see software developers putting those ideas into practice.
