Pre-studies on using digital games for the elderly’s physical activities

Abstract

In this study, we conducted the pre-studies of Gamified Solutions in Healthcare (GSH) project. The main objectives of these pre-studies are to understand game design guidelines, the usability of Kinect, commercial, and non-commercial games. In pre-study 1, we conducted a literature review of motivational factors for the elderly’s physical rehabilitation. In pre-study 2, we reviewed commercial games for the elderly. We conducted a usability testing of Microsoft Kinect with eight elderly in pre-study 3. Then, in pre-study 4, we conducted a usability testing of Puuha’s game and two commercial games with five elderly participants. The findings from the literature review of motivational factors provide us useful game design guidelines how to motivate the elderly. The findings from the review of commercial games highlight that commercial games lack important design guidelines for the elderly. We also learn from the usability testing that Kinect has the potential to be used as an input device for the elderly, but built-in gestures are difficult for the elderly. Finally, the findings from the usability testing of Puuha’s game and two commercial games provide us insightful game design and usability guidelines for the elderly. These findings are useful for our future game development for the elderly.