Improving Behavioral-Based Safety Training in Using Verbal Commands Through a Theory-Driven and Feedback-Based...

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Game Design
• Occupational Safety

Background:

• Serious games are used for safety training across various industries.
• Existing serious games lack focus on behavioral change through verbal commands and spatial awareness.
• This study addresses the gap by developing a game to improve safety via verbal communication and proximity awareness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a theory-driven serious game, KitchenSpeak, for improving workplace safety behavior using verbal commands.
• To validate the theoretical frameworks (SERES, RECIPE, Gestalt laws) underpinning the game's design and implementation.
• To assess the game's usability and effectiveness in enhancing safety awareness.

Main Methods:

• Developed KitchenSpeak, a first-person character game, incorporating the SERES and RECIPE frameworks.
• Applied Gestalt laws of perception for user interface graphic design.
• Conducted alpha and beta testing with 8 and 40 participants, respectively, to gather feedback and validate theoretical frameworks.

Main Results:

• Alpha and beta testing confirmed adequate application of theoretical frameworks with suggestions for improvement.
• Beta testing indicated further design enhancements and found no significant difference in ease of play based on prior gaming experience (P=.47).
• The game met its design and theoretical requirements and is accessible to all players.

Conclusions:

• KitchenSpeak, a theory-driven serious game, was successfully developed and validated for teaching safety behaviors in commercial kitchens.
• The study validates game-based training for improving behavioral safety and incorporates Gestalt laws into UI design.
• The game effectively teaches the use of verbal commands to enhance spatial proximity awareness and overall workplace safety.