Using the SGDA Framework to Design and Evaluate Research Games

Abstract

Background. Several HCI researchers have started to use game design elements in their research to create playful methods for involving end-users in design. Similar to serious games, such research games serve a dual purpose: 1) to create an enjoyable experience for research participants, and 2) to collect user insights to inform the design process. Aim. We propose that the Serious Game Design Assessment (SGDA) Framework, that evaluates both a game’s enjoyable purposes and its serious purposes, may be a valuable tool in assessing and developing research games. In this article, we apply the SGDA Framework to three existing research games, one involving train passengers in assessing potential future user experiences, one involving hospital staff in ideation for wearable technology, and one involving TV viewers in ideation for future video watching scenarios. Conclusion. The assessment of the three research games suggests that the framework is indeed applicable to research games and may, as such, provide HCI researchers with clear guidance when creating new research games.