Mobile Games Individualise and Motivate Rehabilitation in Different User Groups

Abstract

Trials on Mobile Games are presenting a huge potential in cognitive, physical and mental rehabilitation. This paper is to discuss user viewpoints of trials with mobile games combining cognitive stimulation and physical exercise in rehabilitation: Game#1 controlled by tilting the mobile phone embedded in a balance board; Game#2 controlled by tilting the tablet pc; and Game#3 a modified game version of Trail Making A -memory test played by tapping figures on the tablet pc touch screen. The total amount of participants was 89 of which 74% were older adults (women=24; men=33; average age 85.9 years) and 26% people with learning disabilities (n=23; a 38.9 years). The gameplay setting was similar for all target groups, although the game graphics (Game#1) were slightly modified based on each user group. Mobile devices were used as the game platform to create easily approachable games of low costs and suitable for the majority of people.

Designing serious games for special user groups—design for somebody approach

“…Asking the right questions is key. Instead of “what do you want,” one should ask “how would you like this solution to serve you” and “what should be changed.” Even after false assumptions and educated guesses to begin with, the innovative processes often ends up with positively surprising results (Koivisto et al ., , ; Merilampi et al ., ). Basic usability guidelines are a good starting point in application development (Morville, ; Nielsen, ), but many other issues named in the introduction chapter need to be taken into account.…”

“…The more adaptive and scalable the better. The following case studies are developed following the DfS principles (Díaz‐Bossini & Moreno, ; Finn, Sirkka, Merilampi, Leino, & Koivisto, ; Koivisto et al ., , ; Merilampi et al ., ; Merilampi, Koivisto, et al ., ; Sirkka & Koivisto, ; Sirkka, Merilampi, & Leino, ).…”

“…DfS also pays attention to service designing, since sometimes the modification requires only the right kinds of supporting services and a personalized user interface. (Koivisto, Merilampi, & Sirkka, ; Merilampi, Sirkka, Leino, Koivisto, & Finn, ; Merilampi, Sirkka, & Iniewski, ).…”