Designing tablet-based games for seniors

Abstract

This paper describes the analysis and design of a tablet-based gaming platform for seniors that promotes their quality-of-life and well-being by incorporating cognitive training mechanisms. A literature review of age-related changes and games for seniors indicated 'casual games' have the characteristics necessary to provide an enjoyable user experience for the senior audience. Having concluded that these games should target cognitive stimulation, the authors analysed mechanisms to achieve this purpose and compiled them into a matrix to be used as a starting point for the games design process. In parallel, the authors also gathered seniors' preferences and requirements regarding games, through observations and a game book. Low-, medium-, and high-fidelity prototypes for a gaming cognitive platform were developed, evaluated with end-users, and iteratively improved. Results showed that seniors easily interacted with the platform and were willing to use it in the future. Results and experience led to the identification of 10 rules of thumb that can be beneficial if applied to related projects. This paper concludes by identifying exciting areas for future research and development.