Employing a user-centered design process to create a multiplayer online escape game for older adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore a user-centered design (UCD) process to create a multiplayer online escape game with embedded learning content for older adults. Older adults aged 65 and over were involved in the needs assessment and prototype evaluation. The needs assessment assisted the researchers and developers in understanding older adults’ social interaction in real-life escape rooms, which resulted in a list of design recommendations for the online escape game. The findings of prototype evaluation illustrated that older users enjoyed the theme of classical literary work, crossword puzzles, and the format of dual play. It was also found that our UCD process could not effectively address all design challenges of developing a digital escape game for older adults.