Serious Game Development for Public Health: Participatory Design Approach to COVID-19 Quarantine Policy Education

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Informatics
• Game Design

Background:

• Public health education is vital for infectious disease control, but traditional methods face challenges like social distancing.
• Existing educational materials often lack depth, necessitating innovative approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce "Flattening the Curve," a serious game designed to enhance understanding of infectious disease dynamics and social distancing policies.
• To provide an interactive platform for learning about quarantine management and its economic implications.

Main Methods:

• The game was developed using the SERES framework and participatory design with 16 undergraduates over one semester.
• Incorporated agent-based infection (SEIHR model), social distancing policy, and economic models.
• Iterative improvements were made based on participant feedback analyzed through the Design, Play, and Experience framework.

Main Results:

• The game successfully met learning objectives, covering disease characteristics, transmission, quarantine efficacy, and the "flattening the curve" concept.
• Included models for infection (SEIHR), quarantine policies (social distancing, travel control, ICU management), and economic impact.
• Participant feedback led to refined game systems, scenarios, and a shift from a star rating to a vaccine development progress system.

Conclusions:

• "Flattening the Curve" is a valuable serious game for public health education on social distancing and infectious disease management.
• The game, developed via participatory design, is openly accessible for research and educational use.