Short answer
Designers should move beyond conventional reward structures and explore a wider array of feedback mechanisms and game mechanics to better cater to the diverse needs and preferences of older adult users in serious games.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences (2024)
- Method
- Systematic Literature Review
- Sample
- 121 articles
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Serious games for older adults currently overemphasize visual feedback and time-based challenges, neglecting other reward types and interaction modalities that could enhance engagement. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2024 study published in ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences. Using Systematic literature review with 121 articles, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should move beyond conventional reward structures and explore a wider array of feedback mechanisms and game mechanics to better cater to the diverse needs and preferences of older adult users in serious games.
Diversify Reward Mechanisms in Serious Games for Older Adults
Serious games for older adults currently overemphasize visual feedback and time-based challenges, neglecting other reward types and interaction modalities that could enhance engagement.
ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences · 2024
Key Findings
- 01Preponderant focus on visual feedback and time-pressure/reaction challenges.
- 02Limited research on unlocking mechanisms, achievement, item-granting rewards, haptic feedback, and multi-player scenarios.
- 03Existing reward mechanisms represent a limited subset of design possibilities.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should move beyond conventional reward structures and explore a wider array of feedback mechanisms and game mechanics to better cater to the diverse needs and preferences of older adult users in serious games.
How to apply
When designing serious games for older adults, consider incorporating rewards such as tangible achievements, progression-based unlocks, and feedback through touch or sound, alongside visual elements. Also, explore opportunities for social interaction within the game.
Project actions
- 01When reviewing existing serious games for older adults, pay close attention to the types of rewards offered and how users receive feedback.
- 02Consider how different sensory inputs (visual, auditory, haptic) can be used to deliver rewards effectively.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive systematic review methodology.
- +Analysis across multiple taxonomies of game design elements.
Limitations
The findings are based on a review of existing literature and may not reflect all current design practices. The effectiveness of specific reward types can vary greatly between individuals.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the review is supported by its systematic methodology and the analysis of a large number of articles. Validity is enhanced by the use of multiple taxonomies to categorize findings, providing a comprehensive overview of the research landscape.
Think critically
To what extent do the identified gaps in reward mechanisms reflect a lack of innovation, or a deliberate design choice based on perceived user needs or technical constraints for older adults?
Design Principles
"Reward systems in user-centred design should be diverse, adaptable, and inclusive of varied interaction modalities."
Designing effective reward systems is crucial for maintaining user engagement, particularly in applications aimed at older adults who may have diverse needs and preferences. A broader approach to rewards can lead to more inclusive and effective digital experiences.
What This Means for Your Design
Many games for older people only give rewards they can see and make them react fast. We need to give them more ways to get rewards, like feeling things or working with others.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify the exploration of novel reward mechanisms in your design project, especially if targeting an older demographic.
- 2.Cite this review when discussing the limitations of current reward systems in serious games and proposing alternative approaches.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This systematic review highlights a significant gap in the design of reward mechanisms for serious games targeting older adults, with a predominant focus on visual feedback and time-sensitive challenges. The research indicates a need to explore a wider array of reward types, including achievement-based unlocks and item-granting systems, as well as diverse feedback modalities such as haptics and multi-player interactions, to enhance user engagement and cater to the varied abilities and preferences of this demographic.
Source
ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences
The Age-Reward Perspective: A Systematic Review of Reward Mechanisms in Serious Games for Older People
journal · 2024
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about diversify reward mechanisms in serious games for older adults?
- Designers should move beyond conventional reward structures and explore a wider array of feedback mechanisms and game mechanics to better cater to the diverse needs and preferences of older adult users in serious games. Evidence: ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences (2024).
- Why does "Diversify Reward Mechanisms in Serious Games for Older Adults" matter for design?
- Designing effective reward systems is crucial for maintaining user engagement, particularly in applications aimed at older adults who may have diverse needs and preferences. A broader approach to rewards can lead to more inclusive and effective digital experiences.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should move beyond conventional reward structures and explore a wider array of feedback mechanisms and game mechanics to better cater to the diverse needs and preferences of older adult users in serious games.
- What were the main findings?
- Preponderant focus on visual feedback and time-pressure/reaction challenges.. Limited research on unlocking mechanisms, achievement, item-granting rewards, haptic feedback, and multi-player scenarios.. Existing reward mechanisms represent a limited subset of design possibilities.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Literature Review with 121 articles.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2024 journal from ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing serious games for older adults, consider incorporating rewards such as tangible achievements, progression-based unlocks, and feedback through touch or sound, alongside visual elements. Also, explore opportunities for social interaction within the game.
- What are the limitations?
- The review's findings are based on published research, which may not capture all design efforts or emerging trends. The scope was limited to serious games specifically for older adults.