EAI Endorsed Transactions on Creative Technologies

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.

Educational Game Design for Girls and Boys

Peter Mozelius, Niklas Humble — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: Programming is an important skill in the 21st century and it is important to reach and motivate the younger audience. Educational games have proved to motivate students, but research reports about girls not feeling welcome in game environments.

OBJECTIVE: The overall objective of this study is to gather information for the development of a preliminary conceptual model for girl inclusive educational game design.

METHODS: This study was conducted as a requirement-focused Design science study. The focus was set on gathering requirements for a future design and development of educational games on fundamental programming.

RESULTS: A thematic analysis resulted in the main themes of Exploration Without Violence, Collaborative Interaction, Character Diversity, Customisation, Graphics, Game Mechanics, Game Content, and Learning and Motivation

CONCLUSION: The accumulation of results from the literature study and the survey have been merged into a preliminary conceptual model. The conclusion is that a thoughtful consideration of the found factors can support the idea of a Girl Inclusive Educational Game Design.

Developing and Validating a Qualitative Tool for Playtesting Service Learning-Based Accessible Games: A Comprehensive Approach

Jose Carlos Neves, Carla Sousa, Catia Casimiro — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: The complex accessibility needs of some players and, in particular, of people with Intellectual Disability (pwID) require greater attention from research due to the lack of tools to support playtesting, particularly those of a qualitative nature and suited to their diversity of experiences and motor and cognitive characteristics.

OBJECTIVES: Recognizing the scarcity of research in media production, particularly games, the study pursues three objectives: firstly, to describe the accessible games developed through a multi-year service learning project involving students from the Videogames Bachelor’s Degree and pwID; secondly, to approach the validation of the Gaming Observation Grid (GOG), a qualitative tool for playtesting sessions; and thirdly, to reflect on service learning as a strategy for bridging the gap between academia and civil society in the context of game design.

METHODS: The research employed a qualitative media ethnography-based approach involving students from the Videogames Bachelor's Degree. Over a span of three years and six consecutive semesters, 59 students actively participated in a service learning project, engaging with pwID and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the field. All playtesting activities’ observations were based on GOG, with a total of 273 observed gaming sessions.

RESULTS: The development of 18 videogames, spanning diverse genres and themes, prioritized accessibility based on adjustment settings. GOG emerged as a tailored and feasible instrument, valuable in the broader landscape of inclusive game development. In terms of service-learning outcomes, results highlight students' reflections on the real-world impact of game design and development, underscoring the pedagogical value of service learning in bridging theoretical knowledge and practical application.

CONCLUSION: This study underscores the critical need for enhanced research attention to the complex accessibility requirements of players, particularly pw ID, while emphasizing the relevance of qualitative playtesting tools tailored to their diverse experiences and cognitive-motor characteristics, as well as the inherent value of the experience for the students involved.

Tailoring Full STEAM Ahead Empowerment: Creative Coding for 21st Century Girls

Jasmina Maric, Lekshmi Murali Rani — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the Creative Coding project’s impact on female empowerment.
OBJECTIVES: The project addresses the gender disparity in STEAM fields by integrating coding and art for girls aged 10-15, using the Strudel tool that combines real-time live coding and music composition.
METHODS: Through observation and interviews with the girls who participated and performed at the end of the Creative Coding project, but also with those who dropped out, we cast a deep look into the positive and negative parameters to tailor concrete measures for every girl empowerment - not only super achievers. We collaborated with teachers and female mentors from the Computer Science and Engineering Department as relatable role models, to support feelings of belonging and spark curiosity. Using the new user-friendly Strudel tool that supports the integration of art, music, and audio-visual elements, we aimed at an engaging learning experience. To tailor new actions and increase attrition we used a mess map for analysis of the wicked problem of dropouts. Finally, collaboration among the girls and peer learning were expected as by-product effects.
RESULTS: Positive outcomes include increased interest, self-confidence, creativity, and aspirations in STEAM subjects among the girls. However, a more comprehensive and supportive environment is recognized as necessary to engage a broader group of girls in STEAM activities. The findings highlight the importance of cultivating curiosity, providing mentorship, promoting inclusivity and collaboration, and integrating creativity in education to inspire and empower girls in coding and STEAM disciplines.
CONCLUSION: The paper concludes by emphasizing the potential of Creative Coding practices and the audio-visual perception of music to enhance girls’ empowerment, creativity, and interest in coding and STEAM fields.

Adapting Technology for Dementia Care: The Case of Emobook App in Reminiscence focused Music Therapy

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: Life Story books are frequently employed to facilitate reminiscence interventions, but their use in Music Therapy remains limited in the scientific literature. There is a paucity of research detailing the design processes involved in this context.

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to report on the adaptation of the Emobook Life Story Book App for a Reminiscence Music Therapy Program for people living with dementia.

METHODS: An interdisciplinary team comprising an interaction designer, a software engineer, a music therapist, and a research assistant engaged in a Participatory Design process. The study comprised two distinct phases: "Adaptation Phase," aimed to identify features requiring adjustment to integrate Emobook into MT effectively and the "Implementation Phase," focused on evaluating the adequacy of these changes for Emobook's use within the Music Therapy Program

RESULTS: By merging the requirements identified during each phase, additional improvements were generated, leading to the decision to evolve Emobook Post-Prototype towards a version tailored specifically for Music Therapy.

CONCLUSION: Collaborative, interdisciplinary efforts are essential in advancing the incorporation of technology into music therapy practice. This study demonstrates the value of a Participatory Design approach in this regard.