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GAMING
IS AN EXPERIENCE
MAKE IT USEFUL

I blend Game UX with psychological science
to uncover how players really think, feel, and act.

Turning insight into games
that are intuitive, engaging, and genuinely enjoyable.

UX for digital products and games

My Core Principles that Powers Great UX

User Experience (UX) provides the foundation for understanding how people interact with digital products, while Games User Research (GUR) applies these principles specifically to video games. Together, they reveal not only what players do, but why they do it, unlocking actionable insights that enhance both playability and enjoyment.

 UX & Games

User Research

By studying how players engage with products, I uncover where they struggle, what they enjoy, and why they disengage. These insights help me create experiences that are more intuitive, satisfying, and capable of building long-term engagement.

 Emphasizing

Player Behavior

Emotions are at the core of every player experience. They influence satisfaction, memory, and long-term engagement. By measuring and analysing emotional responses, I bridge the gap between the intended design and the actual experience, ensuring that games deliver both functional excellence and genuine emotional impact.

 Bridging

Intended and Actual Experience

I go beyond surface-level opinions, using evidence-based methods such as behavioral observation, usability testing, and experimental design to answer the “why” behind player actions. This data-driven approach ensures decisions are grounded in proof, not guesswork.

Psychological and Scientific Methods

In-house playtests and usability tests often suffer from “development blindness,” where familiarity hides flaws. Independent, objective research with the right sample brings fresh perspectives and identifies issues that teams may overlook.

 Reliability and 

Objective Testing

Early and accurate insights save money, time, and energy. By addressing usability and engagement issues before launch, I reduce costly redesigns, improve market fit, and give products the best chance to succeed.

De-Risking the Production Process

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO UX RESEARCH

By combining psychology, user experience research, and data-driven methods, I help teams design with clarity and confidence. My process bridges the gap between user behaviour and design decisions, ensuring every feature, interaction, and flow feels intuitive and purposeful.

From early concept validation to post-launch analysis, I focus on evidence-based insights rather than assumptions. This not only reduces risk, but also creates experiences that connect emotionally, perform effectively, and keep users engaged.

Digitalization and UX

Elevate gaming experience with research

Cognitive science expertise

Delve into the science of user experience and player engagement. By integrating cognitive psychology, UX principles, and games research, I uncover the motivations and behaviors that drive gaming interaction. My methodology blends academic rigor with industry application, providing actionable insights for game studios. Through comprehensive analysis and evidence-based recommendations, I help teams design more intuitive, enjoyable, and effective digital products. Discover how a research-driven approach can transform user journeys and foster lasting engagement across diverse digital landscapes.

USER BEHAVIOR
UX RESEARCH
GAMES RESEARCH

My research is rooted in cognitive science and robust methodology, ensuring every insight is grounded in proven theory and practical application.

User-first perspective

By centering on user motivations and accessibility, I help craft gaming experiences that are both engaging and inclusive.

Cross-sector experience

I bring a track record of research in gaming, public services, and mobile, adapting methods to each unique context for optimal results.

Data-driven recommendations

All findings and strategies are supported by thorough data analysis, ensuring your decisions are informed, reliable, and goal-oriented.

CREATING GAMING EXPERIENCES USERS LOVE

Building a video game is hard. Building one that people truly understand, enjoy, and keep coming back to is even harder.

Success depends on more than great design. It’s about knowing your players. That means going beyond what people say and uncovering what they actually do, think, and feel while interacting with your product.

Traditional feedback methods often miss the mark. They focus too heavily on opinions, overlook behavioural data, and come too late in development to make a real difference. The result? Products and games that launch with avoidable UX issues, leaving users frustrated and opportunities lost.

I make sure that doesn’t happen.

Research-driven UX for every platform

Emprical research foundations
Player behavior decoded
Comprehensive UX assessments
Versatile research proficiency

Explore the science of gaming experience

In-depth analysis and evidence-based insights on player behavior, gaming interaction, and UX research across
video games

UX Research

Mapping the user experience

Comprehensive best practices for user journey mapping, offering actionable recommendations to optimize UX across digital products and services.

Mapping the User Experience

Games User Research

What motivates player engagement?

A detailed examination of psychological drivers behind player motivation, with practical strategies for enhancing engagement and retention in contemporary game design.

what motivates player engagement

MEET ÇAĞDAŞ

I’m a psychologist and an experienced Game UX researcher passionate about understanding how people think, feel, and interact with video games.

 

I bring a unique blend of scientific expertise and creative problem-solving to craft experiences that truly resonate. I focus on making every interaction meaningful, enjoyable, and impactful.

WHOM I WORK WITH

I am available to partner with teams and individuals who are serious about improving their video games, from indie game developers to startups.

Whether you need to refine an onboarding flow, improve in-game player retention, or reimagine a core user journey, I’ll provide clarity, structure, and direction. So your product not only works but thrives.

Çağdaş Doğan UX profile picture

Do you have a project, idea, or just a curiosity?

Let’s explore it together through research-driven insights.

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LATEST ARTICLES

Sexual Selection, War, and Display in Games

Games become digital stages where players can express evolutionary strategies like sexual selection, status-seeking, and rivalry, merging competition, display, and interaction.

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The Proteus Effect: Avatars, Power, and Social Identity

Our avatars in games are not just visual stand-ins; they’re powerful psychological tools that shape our identities, behaviors, and sense of confidence.

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