Traditional Game of Congklak Offers Vital Lessons for Building Great Applications

Amidst the accelerating complexity of digital technology, efforts to build successful applications are often constrained by a preoccupation with technical sophistication alone. Yet fundamental principles of user experience can actually be learned from surprisingly simple sources, including traditional games. One such example is congklak, a traditional Indonesian board game.

Bambang Kelana Simpony, a lecturer at Bina Sarana Informatika University (UBSI) Tasikmalaya campus, contends that many modern applications fail not because their technology is outdated, but because their logic is overly complicated and unintuitive. According to him, congklak offers valuable lessons about how humans understand rules, make decisions, and enjoy processes.

“Many modern applications fail not because their technology lacks sophistication, but because their logic is too complicated and unintuitive. Congklak is an example of a game with simple rules, yet capable of keeping players engaged for extended periods,” he stated.

Bambang explains that numerous principles within congklak are relevant to contemporary digital application development, particularly regarding workflow design and user experience (UX).

Simple and Predictable Workflow Logic

In congklak, players quickly understand what will happen when they take shells from one pocket and distribute them to subsequent pockets. The workflow is clear and foreseeable. This principle, according to Bambang, should similarly be applied to applications.

“Application users need to comprehend the consequences of every action they undertake. When pressing a particular button, the resulting output should match their expectations. Confusing workflows cause users to lose interest,” he explained.

Transparent Resource Management

Congklak also teaches the importance of visibility. The number of shells in each pocket and in a player’s home is clearly visible, so players always know the state of play. This transparency creates a sense of control.

In digital applications, similar concepts apply to information such as points totals, process status, or shopping cart contents. When such information is not displayed clearly, users tend to feel anxious and hesitant to continue engagement.

“Each step in congklak provides instant feedback, both visually and audibly. The movement and accumulation of shells gives players a distinct sense of satisfaction,” Bambang said.

This approach, he noted, aligns with application users’ need for prompt and clear responses. Changes in button colour, success notifications, or simple checkmarks can deliver a significant sense of control and satisfaction.

This methodology is now being implemented in the learning process at UBSI Tasikmalaya campus. Students are taught not merely to write functioning code, but also to understand how users interact with and experience the applications they create.

Through the congklak analogy, complex concepts such as UX and workflow design become more readily comprehensible. This approach encourages prospective developers to think as experience designers rather than mere system builders.

“Ultimately, a great application is not merely one that is technically sophisticated, but also one that is simple, intuitive, and enjoyable to use—much like the congklak game that has endured across generations,” he concluded.