Abstract
Objective: We studied which games and underlying game mechanics are considered motivating by older adults, so that designers and therapists make informed choices when designing or selecting virtual reality (VR)-training interventions. Materials and methods: We conducted a repeated measures design with 30 older participants, who played eight different VR-training games and afterward filled out the intrinsic motivation inventory (IMI). Differences in intrinsic motivation between games were analyzed using Friedman's tests. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted according to the laddering technique, to unveil the underlying game mechanics that lead to the players preferences. Results: IMI scores were relatively high for all games, indicating that these VR games seem effective for inducing a high intrinsic motivation. Wii yoga and Kinect Adventures were the highest scoring games on all but the negative subscale tension. Both games provided regular positive feedback. An important game mechanic was Variation, which showed a strong link to important values such as: to Stay Focused, Improve Fitness, and Health and Independency. Furthermore, the game mechanics Visual Feedback and Positive Feedback, which lead to an increased Drive to Perform, were perceived valuable. Seemingly contradicting, but both important attributes such as Speed versus Slow Movements emphasize the importance of designing VR training that adapts to the skill level of the player. Conclusion: We have shown that games with different game mechanics can induce high intrinsic motivation. When designing or selecting VR balance training games for older adults, these game mechanics should be incorporated to optimize a positive user experience and increase intrinsic motivation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 369-376 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Games for Health Journal |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Early online date | 30 Nov 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2018 |
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Keywords
- Exergames
- Fall prevention
- Motivation
- Older adults
- User experience
- Virtual reality
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Understanding Motivations and Player Experiences of Older Adults in Virtual Reality Training. / De Vries, Aijse W.; Van Dieën, Jaap H.; Van Den Abeele, Vero; Verschueren, Sabine M.P.
In: Games for Health Journal, Vol. 7, No. 6, 12.2018, p. 369-376.Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - Understanding Motivations and Player Experiences of Older Adults in Virtual Reality Training
AU - De Vries, Aijse W.
AU - Van Dieën, Jaap H.
AU - Van Den Abeele, Vero
AU - Verschueren, Sabine M.P.
PY - 2018/12
Y1 - 2018/12
N2 - Objective: We studied which games and underlying game mechanics are considered motivating by older adults, so that designers and therapists make informed choices when designing or selecting virtual reality (VR)-training interventions. Materials and methods: We conducted a repeated measures design with 30 older participants, who played eight different VR-training games and afterward filled out the intrinsic motivation inventory (IMI). Differences in intrinsic motivation between games were analyzed using Friedman's tests. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted according to the laddering technique, to unveil the underlying game mechanics that lead to the players preferences. Results: IMI scores were relatively high for all games, indicating that these VR games seem effective for inducing a high intrinsic motivation. Wii yoga and Kinect Adventures were the highest scoring games on all but the negative subscale tension. Both games provided regular positive feedback. An important game mechanic was Variation, which showed a strong link to important values such as: to Stay Focused, Improve Fitness, and Health and Independency. Furthermore, the game mechanics Visual Feedback and Positive Feedback, which lead to an increased Drive to Perform, were perceived valuable. Seemingly contradicting, but both important attributes such as Speed versus Slow Movements emphasize the importance of designing VR training that adapts to the skill level of the player. Conclusion: We have shown that games with different game mechanics can induce high intrinsic motivation. When designing or selecting VR balance training games for older adults, these game mechanics should be incorporated to optimize a positive user experience and increase intrinsic motivation.
AB - Objective: We studied which games and underlying game mechanics are considered motivating by older adults, so that designers and therapists make informed choices when designing or selecting virtual reality (VR)-training interventions. Materials and methods: We conducted a repeated measures design with 30 older participants, who played eight different VR-training games and afterward filled out the intrinsic motivation inventory (IMI). Differences in intrinsic motivation between games were analyzed using Friedman's tests. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted according to the laddering technique, to unveil the underlying game mechanics that lead to the players preferences. Results: IMI scores were relatively high for all games, indicating that these VR games seem effective for inducing a high intrinsic motivation. Wii yoga and Kinect Adventures were the highest scoring games on all but the negative subscale tension. Both games provided regular positive feedback. An important game mechanic was Variation, which showed a strong link to important values such as: to Stay Focused, Improve Fitness, and Health and Independency. Furthermore, the game mechanics Visual Feedback and Positive Feedback, which lead to an increased Drive to Perform, were perceived valuable. Seemingly contradicting, but both important attributes such as Speed versus Slow Movements emphasize the importance of designing VR training that adapts to the skill level of the player. Conclusion: We have shown that games with different game mechanics can induce high intrinsic motivation. When designing or selecting VR balance training games for older adults, these game mechanics should be incorporated to optimize a positive user experience and increase intrinsic motivation.
KW - Exergames
KW - Fall prevention
KW - Motivation
KW - Older adults
KW - User experience
KW - Virtual reality
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85058041939&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85058041939&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1089/g4h.2018.0008
DO - 10.1089/g4h.2018.0008
M3 - Article
VL - 7
SP - 369
EP - 376
JO - Games for Health
JF - Games for Health
SN - 2161-783X
IS - 6
ER -