Serious Fun: How to Bring Game Mechanics into Product Design

Event ID: PP1162677

Wed, Mar 18, 2026 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Venue: Room 410 (Hilton Austin Downtown)

View on Official SXSW

Summary

Serious products don't have to be seriously boring. In fact, a little play might be the power-up your product needs. This talk explores how proven game mechanics like feedback loops, progression systems, and "juice" can supercharge your product's design, making it intuitive and addictive (in a good way!). Drawing from indie game dev, client work with major brands, and 40+ game jams, I'll show you how thinking like a game designer creates playful, emotionally resonant experiences. Learn to make your products more rewarding, alive, and user-loved. When in doubt, add more "juice"!

Contributors

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