The co.LAB Generic Framework for Collaborative Design of Serious Games: Development Study

Abstract

Background Serious games are increasingly used at all levels of education. However, research shows that serious games do not always fulfill all the targeted pedagogical objectives. Designing efficient and engaging serious games is a difficult and multidisciplinary process that requires a collaborative approach. Many design frameworks have been described, most of which are dedicated to the development of specific types of serious games and take the collaborative dimension into account only to a limited extent. Objective Our aim was to create a generic serious game design framework that could be adapted to all kinds of serious games and implemented in a collaborative web platform. Methods We combined the results of a literature review with our experience in serious game design and development to determine the basic building blocks of a collaborative design framework. We then organized these building blocks into categories and determined the features that a generic design framework should include. Finally, based on the paradigm of complex systems and systemic modelling, we created the co.LAB generic design framework and specifications to allow its implementation in a collaborative web platform. Results Based on a total of 10 existing design methodologies or frameworks, 23 building blocks were identified and represent the foundation of the co.LAB framework. These blocks were organized into 5 categories: “context and objectives,” “game design,” “mechanics,” “learning design,” and “assessment.” The arrangement by categories provides a structure that can be visualized in multiple and complementary ways. The classical view links game and learning design while other views offer project, systemic, and process visualizations. For the implementation of the co.LAB framework in a web platform, we propose to convert the building blocks into “cards.” Each card would constitute a collaborative working space for the design of the corresponding block. To make the framework adaptive, cards could be added, adapted, or removed according to the kind of serious game intended. Enhancing the visualization of relationships between cards should support a systemic implementation of the framework. Conclusions By offering a structured view of the fundamental design elements required to create serious games, the co.LAB framework can facilitate the design and development of such games by virtue of a collaborative, adaptive, and systemic approach. The different visualizations of the building blocks should allow for a shared understanding and a consistent approach throughout the design and development process. The implementation of the co.LAB framework in a collaborative web platform should now be performed and its actual usability and effectiveness tested.

Nationwide Deployment of a Serious Game Designed to Improve COVID-19 Infection Prevention Practices in Switzerland: Prospective Web-Based Study

“…One aspect of this issue is that the German and Italian translations were performed by third parties who did not take into account the multidisciplinary aspect which had driven the creation of the serious game [ 24 ]. Taking learners' profiles into account is, however, essential [ 52 ] and might have enhanced message uptake, and one participant commented on the fact that an outdated word was used to identify nurses (ie, Krankenschwester rather than Pflegefachperson ).…”

“…While the original, French version of Escape COVID-19 was developed taking feedback from potential end users into account [ 24 ], the translated versions were not. Therefore, in line with the co.LAB framework, which recommends identifying learners’ profiles and adapting the game accordingly [ 52 ], we are considering carrying out focus groups to determine the shortcomings of the current version of this game and the elements that could make Escape COVID-19 more engaging. Different focus groups would be required to take into consideration elements specific to particular social, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds.…”

Contribution of the co.LAB Framework to the Collaborative Design of Serious Games: Mixed Methods Validation Study

“…This project has already led to the creation and publication of the co.LAB generic serious game design framework (co.LAB framework) [ 9 ]. In their article, authors of the co.LAB framework stated that it was defined based on a literature review and on its authors' experiences.…”

“…While most existing frameworks are dedicated to the design and development of specific types of educational games [ 4 , 10 ], the co.LAB framework was conceived as an adaptive framework that should allow the design of a wide range of educational games [ 9 ]. The co.LAB framework contains 5 main categories (“context and objectives,” “game design,” “mechanics,” “learning design,” and “assessment”) and was designed to provide multidisciplinary teams with a global understanding of the design process.…”

“…The horizontal view (either left-to-right or right-to-left) of the co.LAB framework emphasizes that serious game design is a blend of learning and game design, with the Mechanics category representing the link between the game and learning. In the vertical view, the co.LAB framework can be seen under a project management perspective: The upper section defines project objectives, the middle section defines the solution (the game and the associated learning concept), and the bottom section defines how the solution will be evaluated both from the game and learning perspectives [ 9 ].…”