Assessing Feedback in a Mobile Videogame

Area of Science:

• Serious games research
• Human-computer interaction
• Child psychology

Background:

• Player feedback is crucial in serious games, but optimal strategies remain undefined.
• The serious game "Mommio" aims to improve vegetable intake in preschoolers through parental motivation.
• This study investigated effective feedback mechanisms for "Mommio".

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the optimal format and content of player feedback for the serious game "Mommio."
• To enhance user engagement and effectiveness of serious games in promoting healthy eating habits.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a Web survey and interviews with 20 mothers.
• Presented 36 potential "Mommio" gameplay feedback statements for evaluation.
• Assessed mothers' perceptions of feedback meaning and helpfulness.

Main Results:

• Thematic analysis revealed key themes for effective feedback.
• Effective corrective feedback should offer alternatives.
• Feedback should be succinct, grammatically correct, avoid vague language, and not induce guilt.
• Clearly explaining the rationale behind feedback is essential.

Conclusions:

• Proposed guidelines for developing future feedback statements in "Mommio."
• Findings can inform the design of feedback in similar serious games.
• Optimized feedback can improve the efficacy of serious games for behavior change.