My approach was rooted in a core UX principle

The best interface is one that empowers the player without getting in their way. For a fast-paced FPS like Coda, every design decision was made to reduce friction and enhance player performance.

The minimalist HUD is a direct result of this UX thinking. By keeping critical information on the screen's periphery, we maximize the player's view of the arena, allowing them to focus on aiming and movement rather than deciphering complex gauges. The layout was iterated on to ensure information was available at a glance.

Color psychology was also a key UX tool. A cool, non-distracting blue is used for the standard HUD to reduce visual stress during intense gameplay. In contrast, critical states like respawning trigger a jarring red overlay. This leverages pre-attentive processing, allowing the player to understand their status change instantly, without having to read a single word. Every element was designed not just to look good, but to serve a distinct purpose in the player's experience.