An investigation into user interaction and user experience with games for the elderly on motion-based and touch-based games focusing on older people between the age of 55 to 75

Abstract

Digital game technology has been adopted by many sectors and in almost every discipline, which includes education, military, business, health care, psychology and computer science. This is due to the engaging factor of gameplay offered by digital games. In recent years, the application of games is becoming a popular medium in promoting healthy lifestyle and improving the quality of life especially for older people; for instance fostering social connectedness motivated and stimulated through social interaction, cognitive exercises and physical activity that can be afforded by digital game technology. It is essential that users or players are captivated and engaged by the game before any serious purposes/activities can be imposed. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the challenges associated with older people, their existing engagement with digital gaming and the andragogical perspectives. An empirical investigation into user interactions and experiences with a focus on the older people and their engagement towards digital games on console and mobile platforms. Thus, this will lead towards a validated insights into game design personalised to the needs and expectations of the target population. Two studies (Preliminary Study and Further Investigation Study) were performed with 114 participants aged 55 to 75. 14 participants participated in Preliminary Study and 100 participants in Further Investigation Study. Data was collected from their interactions with and experiences of digital gaming. Questionnaires and group discussions were utilised in order to collect their feedback, perceptions and perspectives on the experience. The study’s results show a guideline and game considerations that can be used by the designers, developers and researchers when considering the interaction and experience of older people for digital game design.

Date of Award	2017
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Coventry University
Supervisor	Sylvester Arnab (Supervisor), Petros Lameras (Supervisor), Pam Kato (Supervisor) & Andrew Turner (Supervisor)