Impacts of Handcrafting Tangible Communication Avatars on the Communication Partners and Creative Experiences

Shin'ichi Endo, Kaori Fujinami — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Social networking services allow people to feel and remain connected with others. However, fatigue, loneliness, and anxiety are believed to increase as communication becomes increasingly intimate. In our previous study, we developed Palco, a paper-based, handcrafted, and tangible avatar. We demonstrate that abstract and passive communications are effective in maintaining relationships with communication partners. This study focuses on a mechanism to support the creation of avatars by users by adding the ability to identify multiple avatars and project information to each avatar using a single projector to the Palco system. A user study examined the effectiveness of user-generated avatars by comparing avatars with different levels of user involvement in the process from design to use. The findings indicate that user-generated avatars have the potential to function as a communication medium that strengthens emotional bonds between communication partners. Additionally, the experiences in the design and creation of the avatars allowed the users to demonstrate their creativity.

Designing game for helping people learning Taiwanese culture

Chi Jen Miao, Noreena Liu, S Karmokar — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Taiwanese culture holds immense value, with its rich heritage and history being recognized worldwide. While efforts have been made to preserve tangible cultural heritage, intangible aspects such as knowledge and beliefs have often been overlooked. To address this gap and contribute to the preservation of Taiwanese cultural heritage, technology has been harnessed, with games emerging as a popular medium.

This study explores the advantages of using games to promote understanding and appreciation of Taiwanese culture. Through a literature review and examination of existing serious games related to Taiwanese culture, a research game was developed. Expert interviews were then conducted with professionals from the game industry and cultural creativity sector, providing diverse perspectives and invaluable insights.

The feedback obtained from these expert interviews demonstrates a positive reception towards the concept of using games as a tool for cultural education. Furthermore, the suggestions and recommendations provided by the experts have significantly contributed to the enhancement and refinement of the prototype game. As a result, valuable guidelines have been derived, serving as a roadmap for future designers interested in creating serious games centered around Taiwanese culture.

EAI Endorsed Transactions on Creative Technologies

Impacts of Handcrafting Tangible Communication Avatars on the Communication Partners and Creative Experiences

Designing game for helping people learning Taiwanese culture