Arquitetura da informação e usabilidade da interface do jogo The sims 4 sob a ótica das heurísticas de jogabilidade

Abstract

A game should offer challenges without sacrificing ease of use during the actions of the player and its progression. In this cybernetic space, these practices need to be more dynamic, requiring game environments to have efficient Information Architecture with Usability to provide a more enjoyable gameplay. The general objective of this research is to analyze user satisfaction in The Sims 4 interface, focusing on Information Architecture related to usability, from the perspective of playability heuristic principles. The methodology involves exploratory and qualitative-quantitative research, including a case study. We began with a literature review covering Cuperschmid's (2008) set of heuristics for electronic games. For data collection, we used a questionnaire based on playability heuristics applied to three non-expert evaluators, but active game users with frequent interface interactions. Using content analysis, we structured the results into categories. The results show that The Sims 4 does not adhere to heuristics directly related to usability issues, particularly in terms of System-World Correspondence, Workload, Prevention, Diagnosis and Error Recovery, as well as Help and Guidance. However, the game exhibits heuristics related to System Location, Homogeneity (consistency and standards), Aesthetics and Minimalist Design, Entertainment, Engagement, and Interactivity. Regarding modification suggestions, there were few observations, but they do not invalidate the research. In conclusion, it was possible to identify that the game provides to users visual and sounding feedback, accessible communication without a language limited to a specific audience, a clean and non-intrusive interface, and tools to enhance gameplay, encouraging players to explore new ways of replaying it. Related to negative aspects pointed out by participants, the game exhibits poor performance in information representation, high perceptual and cognitive content for the player's purpose, resulting in information density.