Frustumbased

Frustumbased is a neologism used to describe a design and learning approach that intentionally incorporates elements of user frustration or friction to achieve particular outcomes. It is not a widely standardized term, but it appears in discussions about user experience, game design, and educational tooling to indicate that friction can be purposeful rather than incidental.

Etymology and use: The term fuses “frustration” with “based” (slang for being grounded in or founded on something). It emerged in online design and gaming communities in the 2020s as designers described systems where users must expend effort or navigate non-obvious paths to proceed. The concept is often framed around deliberate control of pace, information availability, or problem-solving demands.

Applications: In games and puzzle experiences, frustumbased design may present challenging puzzles, non-linear paths, or timed constraints to encourage persistence and problem-solving. In software, it can involve progressive disclosure, intentional delays, or non-intuitive navigation aimed at slowing impulsive actions and promoting deliberate use. In education, tasks may require sustained effort, reflection, or iterative trial-and-error to reinforce learning.

Criticism and considerations: Proponents point to potential benefits such as increased engagement, resilience, and deeper understanding. Critics warn of user dissatisfaction, accessibility barriers, and the risk of excluding certain users. Effective frustumbased design relies on a clear rationale, measurable outcomes, and accommodations for diverse user needs, with continuous feedback to avoid cross the line into counterproductive friction.

See also: friction, user experience, game design, educational design.