Augmented Reality Cubes for Cognitive Gaming: Preliminary Usability and Game Experience Testing

Abstract

Early detection is important in dementia care; however, cognitive impairment is still under-recognised and under-diagnosed. Cognitive screening and training are two important preventative treatments, which can lead to early detection of cognitive decline. In this work, the “Cognitive Augmented Reality Cubes” (CogARC) system is presented, i.e. a serious game for cognitive training and screening, utilising an interaction technique based on Augmented Reality and the manipulation of tangible, physical objects (cubes). The game is a collection of cognitive mini-games of preventative nature and is, primarily, targeting elderly players (≥60 years old). A preliminary testing was conducted focusing on the game experience that CogARC offers (utilising the In-Game Experience Questionnaire), the usability of the system (using the System Usability Scale), and the specific user observations and remarks, as documented by open, semi-structured interviews. Overall, CogARC demonstrated satisfying positive responses, however, the negative reactions indicated that there are specific problems with aspects of the interaction technique and a number of mini-games. The open interview shed more light on the specific issues of each mini-game and further interpretation of user interactions. The current study managed to provide interesting insights into the game design elements, integration of Augmented Reality, tangible interaction of the system, and on how elderly players perceive and use those interaction components.

Augmented Reality Trends in Education between 2016 and 2017 Years

“…The results revealed that these students succeeded in defining new science vocabulary terms with AR technology support. Boletsis et al [78] tested usability of AR-based cubes gaming system for adults. This game was developed for cognitive field.…”

Smartkuber: A Serious Game for Cognitive Health Screening of Elderly Players

“…A thorough literature review and taxonomy analysis 19,20 resulted in shaping of the characteristics and the theoretical description of the gaming system, 1,21 followed by an iterative development process and the examination of several interaction, game design, and game content aspects. 22,23 This article describes the design and development process of Smartkuber and, consequently, examines and studies the utility of the Smartkuber game as an entertaining and motivating tool for cognitive health screening of elderly players. Specifically, the study aims to (1) quantitatively evaluate the elderly players' game experience with Smartkuber and (2) investigate the use of Smartkuber for its construct, criteria (concurrent and predictive), and content validity, assessing its relationship with the MoCA test.…”

“…The cube-as a tangible physical object-is an accredited assistive tool for cognitive training, cognitive assessment, and motor rehabilitation, which addresses the players' cognitive and motor skills, while being a game element, which appeals to a wide target audience, from children to elderly players. 22,23,[28][29][30] AR is a technology, which is strongly connected with the users' perception as well as their cognitive and physical functionality. 21,22 In previous related studies, AR has been found to manifest technical and perceptual issues when cubes are digitally augmented with game content.…”

“…21,22 In previous related studies, AR has been found to manifest technical and perceptual issues when cubes are digitally augmented with game content. 22,23 To overcome these issues, Smartkuber places the main part of the interaction and the game content at the real world, that is, the game content is placed physically on the cubes, and AR is utilized solely for real-world recognition and content verification purposes, that is, verifying the correct, real-world game tasks (Fig. 3).…”

“…The relevant game objects have clear elements, which are highlighted through contrast and color settings. 23,31,32 Game content…”