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Expertise and Engagement: Re-Designing Citizen Science Games With Players' Minds in Mind
Josh Aaron Miller1, Uttkarsh Narayan1, Matthew Hantsbarger1
1Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts.
FDG : Proceedings of the International Conference on Foundations of Digital Games. International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games
|December 3, 2019
Summary
Serious games can boost engagement, but design improvements are needed. Applying learning theories like Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and Self Determination Theory (SDT) to Foldit enhanced player motivation and retention.
Area of Science:
- Game Design
- Citizen Science
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Serious games offer engagement but face challenges in learnability and motivation.
- Existing research highlights games' potential for complex tasks, yet practical application in nascent fields like serious game design requires refinement.
- Citizen science games like Foldit present unique opportunities for engagement but can be difficult for new players.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance player experience in the citizen science game Foldit by applying learning and motivation frameworks.
- To investigate the impact of Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and Self Determination Theory (SDT) on player engagement and retention in a serious game context.
- To introduce novel game design features informed by psychological theories to improve tutorial experiences.
Main Methods:
- Implemented six interface and mechanical changes in Foldit's tutorial levels based on CLT and SDT principles.
- Collected behavioral data through game metrics and self-report measures from new Foldit players.
- Documented a novel methodology for operationalizing psychological theories into tangible game features.
Main Results:
- The study successfully operationalized CLT and SDT into new game features for Foldit.
- The user interface, particularly the level selection screen, demonstrated a significant impact on player progression.
- Player expertise, derived from prior domain or gaming experience, was positively correlated with increased engagement.
Conclusions:
- Integrating psychological frameworks like CLT and SDT can effectively improve serious game design and player experience.
- User interface design is a critical factor influencing player progression and engagement in serious games.
- Leveraging player expertise is key to fostering greater engagement in citizen science and serious games.
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