The M.A.G.I.C. framework for mHealth development: applying game design principles from 'Magic: The Gathering'

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Health
• Game Design Principles

Background:

• Digital health technologies are rapidly advancing, prompting exploration of novel methods for clinical interventions.
• Behavioral health experts and developers are seeking innovative ways to modernize technology-based interventions.
• Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a popular fantasy role-playing card game, offers valuable design lessons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline game design principles from MTG.
• To explore their application in enhancing mobile health (mHealth) interventions.
• To introduce the M.A.G.I.C. framework for mHealth development.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized 20 lessons from MTG's head designer, Mark Rosewater.
• Developed the M.A.G.I.C. framework for mHealth.
• Identified key components: Mesmerization, Audience-centeredness, Goal-orientation, Individualization, and Community-drivenness.

Main Results:

• The M.A.G.I.C. framework components are derived from MTG's success factors.
• These elements can foster engaging, customizable, and user-friendly mHealth interventions.
• The framework provides a template for developing successful digital health tools.

Conclusions:

• The M.A.G.I.C. framework offers a novel approach to mHealth development.
• It leverages proven game design strategies to enhance user engagement.
• This framework has the potential to maximize therapeutic outcomes in digital health.