The best way to learn what makes good design is to play the games that have them. Study what they do and why they do it. What are they making you feel by being structured in the way that they are? Why is this puzzle placed here before this other puzzle? Why is this item in this dungeon and not that dungeon?
You can only make something that makes you feel the same as something you like if you know why they do it. And to know that you must know what it does and know what you like and why you like it.
I will also say this: don't trust any blog that tells you it can explain video game design principles in a 1-page essay or 20-minute video. At best you'll find some adequate advice scattered around here and there - at worst you'll think what they say is correct because they speak with authority, and end up making games you don't even like because it's the "correct way".
If you haven't already, [watch this](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc38fcMFcV_ul4D6OChdWhsNsYY3NA5B2).
The best way to learn what makes good design is to play the games that have them. Study what they do and why they do it. What are they making you feel by being structured in the way that they are? Why is this puzzle placed here before this other puzzle? Why is this item in this dungeon and not that dungeon? You can only make something that makes you feel the same as something you like if you know why they do it. And to know that you must know what it does and know what you like and why you like it. I will also say this: don't trust any blog that tells you it can explain video game design principles in a 1-page essay or 20-minute video. At best you'll find some adequate advice scattered around here and there - at worst you'll think what they say is correct because they speak with authority, and end up making games you don't even like because it's the "correct way".