Common Issues and How to Design an Effective HUD (Heads-Up-Display) in Video Games

A well-designed HUD (Heads-Up Display) is crucial for creating a seamless and engaging gaming experience. It serves as the bridge between the player and the game world, providing essential information while maintaining immersion. However, poor HUD design can hinder usability and player enjoyment. Let’s explore the most common issues in HUD design and actionable strategies to resolve them.

Common Issues in HUD Design and How to Address Them:

1. Information Overload

One of the most frequent pitfalls in HUD design is the tendency to display too much information at once, cluttering the screen and overwhelming players. This often occurs in games with overly complex mechanics or systems, where constant updates on stats, objectives, and progress indicators are deemed necessary. Without a clear structure or hierarchy, the HUD becomes chaotic, making it hard for players to focus on what truly matters during gameplay.

Solution:

Prioritize and organize information based on gameplay scenarios. For example, during combat, highlight critical elements like health, ammo, and ability cooldowns while minimizing exploration-related details. Utilize progressive disclosure, where only essential information is displayed upfront, and additional details can be accessed on demand. Context-sensitive HUDs that adapt dynamically to gameplay phases can significantly reduce visual clutter.

2. Prioritizing Art, Aesthetics and Decor Style Over Functionality

In some games, HUD design leans heavily on aesthetics at the expense of usability. While visually striking designs can enhance a game’s identity, overly stylized fonts, icons, or layouts can obscure key information. This is particularly problematic during high-pressure scenarios, where readability and quick decision-making are paramount.

Solution:

Strike a balance between artistic style and usability. Ensure that icons, fonts, and colors are easy to read and interpret, even in fast-paced gameplay. Use universally recognized symbols (e.g., a heart for health or a lightning bolt for energy) and avoid overly intricate designs that compromise clarity. Align the visual design of the HUD with the overall game aesthetic, but always prioritize readability and functionality.

2. Lack of Prioritization and Contextual Adaptation

A static HUD that displays all elements simultaneously, regardless of the gameplay context, can create unnecessary distractions. Players engage in different activities—combat, exploration, conversations, missions, or farming—that require varying types of information. Without prioritization or adaptation, the HUD risks becoming irrelevant or overwhelming.

Solution:

Implement a dynamic HUD that adapts to gameplay scenarios. For instance, during exploration, emphasize maps, quest markers, and environmental cues, while minimizing combat-specific elements. In conversations, focus on dialogue options and minimize unrelated UI components. Use design principles like proximity (grouping related elements), scale (emphasizing critical information), and balance (creating a harmonious layout) to establish a clear hierarchy of information. Contextual adaptation ensures players only see what’s necessary, reducing cognitive load.

4. Insufficient or Overly Simplified Tutorials

A lack of comprehensive onboarding or tutorials is a common issue, especially in games with complex mechanics. Basic tutorials that fail to address the depth of gameplay can leave new players confused. Additionally, returning players may struggle to recall controls after a long hiatus, especially if there’s no reference system in place.

Solution:

Create engaging, well-structured tutorials that introduce players to the game’s mechanics and HUD elements gradually. Use interactive tutorials to reinforce learning through practice. For returning players, include a reference screen summarizing key controls, HUD components, and mechanics. Avoid cluttering the HUD with permanent prompts—contextual hints or reminders should appear only when necessary, helping players re-familiarize themselves without breaking immersion.

5. Lack of Customization and Scalability

A one-size-fits-all approach to HUD design fails to accommodate the diverse needs of players and their devices. Modern gamers use a range of setups, from ultrawide monitors to handheld PCs, and static HUDs often result in misaligned elements, illegible text, or an uncomfortable user experience. Additionally, different players have unique preferences for what they want displayed and how.

Solution:

Enable players to customize their HUD to suit their hardware and preferences. Allow adjustments to element size, position, opacity, and visibility. For example, players using ultrawide monitors might want the minimap moved closer to the center, while others may prefer a minimalist HUD with only essential information displayed. HUD scalability and customization improve accessibility and usability across various setups, ensuring a better gaming experience for all.