Acquired Special: Superhuman Part II - Designing Software to Feel like a Game (with Rahul Vohra)
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Nov 12, 2020 
Rahul Vohra, CEO of Superhuman and former game designer at RuneScape, shares insights on merging game design with productivity software. He discusses innovative features that enhance user engagement and highlights the emotional design behind the Inbox Zero feature. Vohra explores how principles of fun and flow in gaming can transform software experiences, emphasizing the importance of designing for enjoyment and mastery. His unique perspective is a must-listen for anyone involved in product and software development.
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Defining Games and Fun
- A game is simply something you play, according to Jesse Schell's book The Art of Game Design.
- Fun is defined as pleasant surprise, combining pleasure with an element of the unexpected.
RuneScape Experience
- Rahul Vohra honed his game design principles professionally at RuneScape.
- RuneScape was the world's largest browser-based free online role-playing game, built on a custom Java game engine.
Programmer's Advantage
- Programmers create the best software because they build their own tools.
- Superhuman aims to bring this programmer-centric experience to everyone by prioritizing speed, responsiveness, and customizability.
