Title: Usability and gameplay evaluation on mobile games: a user-centred application proposal

Authors: Débora Barbosa; Guilherme Schneider; João Mossmann; Paulo Dos Santos

Addresses: Universidade FEEVALE, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo – RS, 93525-075, Brazil ' Universidade FEEVALE, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo – RS, 93525-075, Brazil ' Universidade FEEVALE, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo – RS, 93525-075, Brazil ' Universidade FEEVALE, ERS 239, 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo – RS, 93525-075, Brazil

Abstract: This paper presents a method to evaluate usability and gameplay efficiency for educational games developed for children, which includes a case study involving the game Corrida Gramatical developed for cancer treatment, and also a group study of a cognitive stimulation game The Incredible Adventures of Apollo & Rosetta in Space. The methodology of this paper consists of the use of tablets by the participants to evaluate the usability and gameplay of the game. This process is documented through non-participant observation, a system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. The proposed method has demonstrated to be supportive in the evaluation of educational games, considering the participants of the research, as well as in the improvement of the game by analysing the flaws identified in the game design. For future studies, we intend to select larger group of participants and affirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Keywords: digital games; usability; gameplay; non-formal learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2020.109570

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2020 Vol.15 No.2, pp.107 - 129

Published online: 15 Sep 2020 *

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