Rethinking Usability in Serious Games: Designing an Instrument That Evaluates What Really Matters in Learning Contexts

Abstract

Serious games are increasingly recognized as valuable tools in educational settings due to their capacity to enhance learning through engaging and interactive experiences. However, existing usability evaluation instruments often fail to account for the specific features and pedagogical goals inherent to serious games, thereby limiting their utility in iterative design improvement. This study presents a usability evaluation questionnaire SGU specifically designed for serious games, developed through a systematic literature review (SLR) following the methodology of Kitchenham and Charters. The resulting tool is a standardized questionnaire intended to comprehensively assess key usability dimensions, including gameplay mechanics, interface design, narrative engagement, and gamification elements. The questionnaire was applied in multiple serious game case studies developed within educational contexts, allowing for the identification of recurring usability issues and context-specific design challenges. The findings highlight the instrument’s relevance, clarity, and diagnostic potential, demonstrating its practical value for evaluating and refining serious games. This research contributes to the field by addressing a critical gap in usability assessment and offering a structured, context-sensitive approach for improving user experience in educational game design.