Short answer
Leverage a defined set of characteristics (expansive boundaries, ambiguity, pareidolia, coincidences) to systematically design cultural pervasive games with clear mediation goals.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Questions de communication (2015)
- Method
- Literature review and corpus analysis
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Developing a descriptive and taxonomic typology of cultural pervasive games can aid designers in creating experiences that effectively mediate cultural objectives. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in Questions de communication. Using Literature review and corpus analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Leverage a defined set of characteristics (expansive boundaries, ambiguity, pareidolia, coincidences) to systematically design cultural pervasive games with clear mediation goals.
Cultural Pervasive Games: A Typology for Design Assistance
Developing a descriptive and taxonomic typology of cultural pervasive games can aid designers in creating experiences that effectively mediate cultural objectives.
Questions de communication · 2015
Key Findings
- 01Cultural pervasive games are defined by specific characteristics: expansive boundaries, ambiguity, pareidolia, and coincidences.
- 02A descriptive and taxonomic typology can be derived from these characteristics to aid in game design.
Application
Design takeaway
Leverage a defined set of characteristics (expansive boundaries, ambiguity, pareidolia, coincidences) to systematically design cultural pervasive games with clear mediation goals.
How to apply
When designing a pervasive game with a cultural objective, explicitly consider how expansive boundaries, ambiguity, pareidolia, and coincidences can be integrated to enhance the user's experience and achieve the desired cultural mediation.
Project actions
- 01When designing a pervasive game, think about how to make its 'boundaries' (where the game happens) flexible and how to introduce elements that can be interpreted in multiple ways.
- 02Consider how 'coincidences' or 'pareidolia' (seeing patterns in random things) can be used to engage players with cultural content.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a clear definition and categorization of cultural pervasive games.
- +Offers a practical tool for designers to conceptualize and develop such games.
Limitations
The study focuses on descriptive and taxonomic aspects, and may not fully explain *why* certain design choices are more effective for cultural mediation.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the typology would depend on consistent application of the definitions of its characteristics across different games. Validity would be assessed by how well the typology predicts or explains the success of cultural pervasive games in achieving their mediation goals.
Think critically
To what extent does a purely descriptive typology adequately support the *explanatory* power needed for effective design intervention in cultural pervasive games?
Design Principles
"The design of pervasive games intended for cultural mediation should be informed by a clear understanding and deliberate application of their defining characteristics."
Understanding the core characteristics of cultural pervasive games allows for more intentional and effective design. This structured approach can help designers move beyond ad-hoc creation to a more strategic development process, ensuring that the game's mechanics and narrative align with its cultural mediation goals.
What This Means for Your Design
This research helps designers create games that teach about culture by breaking down what makes these 'cultural games' work, like how they blend into the real world or how they can be interpreted in different ways.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the identified characteristics (expansive boundaries, ambiguity, pareidolia, coincidences) to justify design choices in your pervasive game project.
- 2.Refer to the typology as a basis for your game's conceptualization and evaluation.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The development of cultural pervasive games can be significantly enhanced by a structured understanding of their core characteristics. Research suggests that elements such as expansive boundaries, ambiguity, pareidolia, and coincidences are fundamental to these games, serving as a basis for a descriptive and taxonomic typology. By intentionally integrating these features, designers can create more effective experiences for cultural mediation, moving beyond intuitive design towards a more systematic and purposeful approach.
Source
Questions de communication
Jeux pervasifs culturels : conception d’un outil descriptif et taxonomique
journal · 2015
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about cultural pervasive games: a typology for design assistance?
- Leverage a defined set of characteristics (expansive boundaries, ambiguity, pareidolia, coincidences) to systematically design cultural pervasive games with clear mediation goals. Evidence: Questions de communication (2015).
- Why does "Cultural Pervasive Games: A Typology for Design Assistance" matter for design?
- Understanding the core characteristics of cultural pervasive games allows for more intentional and effective design. This structured approach can help designers move beyond ad-hoc creation to a more strategic development process, ensuring that the game's mechanics and narrative align with its cultural mediation goals.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Leverage a defined set of characteristics (expansive boundaries, ambiguity, pareidolia, coincidences) to systematically design cultural pervasive games with clear mediation goals.
- What were the main findings?
- Cultural pervasive games are defined by specific characteristics: expansive boundaries, ambiguity, pareidolia, and coincidences.. A descriptive and taxonomic typology can be derived from these characteristics to aid in game design.
- What research method was used?
- Literature review and corpus analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2015 journal from Questions de communication.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a pervasive game with a cultural objective, explicitly consider how expansive boundaries, ambiguity, pareidolia, and coincidences can be integrated to enhance the user's experience and achieve the desired cultural mediation.
- What are the limitations?
- The typology is presented as an intermediate step towards an explanatory one, suggesting further refinement may be needed.