Multiplayer Interface for a Computer-Augmented Learning Game

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to introduce an advanced user interface concept for collaborative simulation game. The user interface design was performed by a constructive proceeding. The functionality and the physical elements of a traditional board game and the calculation performance of a computer simulation model were combined in the new multiplayer interface concept. The operations of players are mediated to the computer through the game board elements, not through the standard input devices of the computer. The key usability targets of the user interface have been also identified. Based on very early findings the developed multiplayer interface seems to support the usability targets in terms of naturalness and collaboration. The conventional arrangement with the digital multiplayer simulation games is the user interface, where each player has their own keyboard and visual display. This study introduces new possibility for game designers to integrate a traditional board game concept and a computer simulation model to enhance collaboration and learning in gaming. TS - CrossRef