Researchers

Rina Wehbe

Ph.D. Student, Errors, Perception of AI, Health Games

Projects

Affective Evaluation of Games & Interactive Media

Applied Game Design for Non-Entertainment Systems

Gamification of Social Recruitment Applications

Games User Research

Health and Fitness Gaming

Physiological Computing

Interactive and Multi-Modal Experience Research Syndicate (IMMERSe)

SWaGUR: Saskatchewan-Waterloo Games User Research

Developing and Analysing Adaptive, Enjoyable, and Engaging Human-Computer Interfaces

Publications

Year 2020

Personal Space in Play: Physical and Digital Boundaries in Large-Display Cooperative and Competitive Games

@inproceedings{10.1145/3313831.3376319,
author = {Wehbe, Rina R. and Dickson, Terence and Kuzminykh, Anastasia and Nacke, Lennart E. and Lank, Edward},
title = {Personal Space in Play: Physical and Digital Boundaries in Large-Display Cooperative and Competitive Games},
year = {2020},
isbn = {9781450367080},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3313831.3376319},
doi = {10.1145/3313831.3376319},
abstract = {As multi-touch displays grow in size and shrink in price, they are more commonly used as gaming devices. When co-located users play games on a single, large display, establishing and maintaining their physical and digital territories poses a social challenge to their interaction. To gain insight into the mechanisms of establishing and maintaining users' physical and digital territories, we analyze territorial interactions in cooperative and competitive multiplayer gameplay. Participants reported weighing each game interaction based on perceived intent to determine how socially acceptable they deemed each behaviour. In light of our observations, we contribute and discuss implications for the design of multi-user, large display, co-located, touchscreen games that consider display properties, digital and physical space, permeability of boundaries, and asymmetry of play to create interactions between players.},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2020 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
pages = {1–14},
numpages = {14},
keywords = {collaboration and group work, digital territory, loosely-coupled interaction, shared spaces, large displays, games and entertainment software, physical territory},
location = {Honolulu, HI, USA},
series = {CHI '20}
}

As multi-touch displays grow in size and shrink in price, they are more commonly used as gaming devices. When co-located users play games on a single, large display, establishing and maintaining their physical and digital territories poses a social challenge to their interaction. To gain insight into the mechanisms of establishing and maintaining users' physical and digital territories, we analyze territorial interactions in cooperative and competitive multiplayer gameplay. Participants reported weighing each game interaction based on perceived intent to determine how socially acceptable they deemed each behaviour. In light of our observations, we contribute and discuss implications for the design of multi-user, large display, co-located, touchscreen games that consider display properties, digital and physical space, permeability of boundaries, and asymmetry of play to create interactions between players.

Year 2019

Biologically-Inspired Gameplay: Movement Algorithms for Artificially Intelligent (AI) Non-Player Characters (NPC)

@inproceedings{Wehbe:2019:10.20380/GI2019.28,
 author = {Wehbe, Rina and Riberio, Giovanni and Fung, Kin and Nacke, Lennart and Lank, Edward},
 title = {Biologically-Inspired Gameplay: Movement Algorithms for Artificially Intelligent (AI) Non-Player Characters (NPC)},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of Graphics Interface 2019},
 series = {GI 2019},
 year = {2019},
 issn = {0713-5424},
 isbn = {978-0-9947868-4-5},
 location = {Kingston, Ontario},
 numpages = {9},
 doi = {10.20380/GI2019.28},
 publisher = {Canadian Information Processing Society},
 keywords = {Games User Research (GUR), Biological Algorithms, Non-player Characters (NPCs), Artifical Intelligence (AI), Movement in Games},
}

In computer games, designers frequently leverage biologicallyinspired movement algorithms such as flocking, particle swarm optimization, and firefly algorithms to give players the perception of intelligent behaviour of groups of enemy non-player characters (NPCs). While extensive effort has been expended designing these algorithms, a comparison between biologically inspired algorithms and naive directional algorithms (travel towards the opponent) has yet to be completed. In this paper, we compare the biological algorithms listed above against a naive control algorithm to assess the effect that these algorithms have on various measures of player experience. The results reveal that the Swarming algorithm, followed closely by Flocking, provide the best gaming experience. However, players noted that the firefly algorithm was most salient. An understanding of the strengths of different behavioural algorithms for NPCs will contribute to the design of algorithms that depict more intelligent crowd behaviour in gaming and computer simulations.

Crushed it!: Interactive Floor Demonstration

@inproceedings{Wehbe:2019:CIF:3290607.3313279,
 author = {Wehbe, Rina R. and Bornemann, Kai and Hatscher, Benjamin and Tu, Joseph and Cormier, Lisa F. and Hansen, Christian and Lank, Edward and Nacke, Lennart E.},
 title = {Crushed It!: Interactive Floor Demonstration},
 booktitle = {Extended Abstracts of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
 series = {CHI EA '19},
 year = {2019},
 isbn = {978-1-4503-5971-9},
 location = {Glasgow, Scotland Uk},
 pages = {INT014:1--INT014:4},
 articleno = {INT014},
 numpages = {4},
 url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/3290607.3313279},
 doi = {10.1145/3290607.3313279},
 acmid = {3313279},
 publisher = {ACM},
 address = {New York, NY, USA},
 keywords = {collaboration, exergames, gaming, human-centered computing, interaction techniques, interactive floor},
} 

We introduce Crushed It!, an interactive game on a sensor floor. This floor is combined with a multiple projector system to reduce occlusions from players' interactions with the floor. Individual displays, an HTC Vive to track player position, and smart watches were added to provide an extra layer of interactivity. We created this interactive experience to explore collaboration between people when interacting with large displays. We contribute a novel combination of different technologies for this game system and our studies showed this game is both entertaining and provides players with motivation to stay physically active. We believe presenting at interactivity would be a benefit to both our research and to the attendees of CHI 2019.

The Development of" Orbit" The Collaborative BCI Game for Children with AD (H) D

@inproceedings{arrambide2019development,
  title={The Development of" Orbit" The Collaborative BCI Game for Children with AD (H) D},
  author={Arrambide, Karina and Freiman Cormier, Lisa and Wehbe, Rina R and Nacke, Lennart E and Gabele, Mareike and Wagner, Sebastian and Hansen, Christian},
  booktitle={Extended Abstracts of the Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play Companion Extended Abstracts},
  pages={341--348},
  year={2019}
}

Children with Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder or AD(H)D can require treatment for which they need to experience long-lasting neurofeedback sessions. Children might not adhere to at-home treatment activities because of the nature of these sessions; thus, not getting the benefits of the program. To increase adherence and effectiveness of the treatment itself, we propose neurofeedback gaming and social encouragement. Our hypothesis is that by playing a collaborative neurofeedback game, children will be more adherent to their treatment and therefore derive a stronger benefit. For this purpose we designed the game "Orbit", a first multiplayer prototype that was evaluated in a pilot study with five neuropsychologists. It was found that collaborative multiplayer games are suitable from a therapeutic standpoint and long-term use because of its higher social motivation and collaboration between children with AD(H)D; albeit there are some drawbacks including unreliability of electroencephalography (EEG) input and the risk for the collaborative environment to be distracting for the player.

Year 2018

Towards a Trait Model of Video Game Preferences

@article{Tondello2018d,
abstract = {Typologies for understanding players' preferences towards different gameplay styles have gained popularity in research. However, attempts to model players' preferences are based on type models instead of trait models, contrary to the latest personality research. One such model, BrainHex, was designed as an interim model to enable investigations towards a definitive player trait model. However, it lacks empirical validation in support of its psychometric properties. The present work analysed a dataset with over 50,000 respondents to devise a player traits model based off the BrainHex scale. Results indicate three player traits: action, aesthetic, and goal orientation. Furthermore, we analysed the games listed by participants as examples of what they enjoy, to understand which factors influence player preferences. Results illustrate that the emergent player traits and participants' genders and attitudes towards story can partially explain player preferences towards certain games. Finally, we present the implications towards a definitive player traits model.},
author = {Tondello, Gustavo F. and Valtchanov, Deltcho and Reetz, Adrian and Wehbe, Rina R. and Orji, Rita and Nacke, Lennart E.},
doi = {10.1080/10447318.2018.1461765},
journal = {International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction},
keywords = {BrainHex,Games,Games User Research,Motivation,Player Traits,Player Typology,Scale Design},
title = {{Towards a Trait Model of Video Game Preferences}},
volume = {34},
number = {8},
pages = {732--748},
year = {2018}
}

Typologies for understanding players’ preferences toward different gameplay styles have gained popularity in research. However, attempts to model players’ preferences are based on type models instead of trait models, contrary to the latest personality research. One such model, BrainHex, was designed as an interim model to enable investigations toward a definitive player trait model. However, it lacks empirical validation in support of its psychometric properties. The present work analyzed a dataset with over 50,000 respondents to devise a player traits model based off the BrainHex scale. Results indicate three player traits: action, esthetic, and goal orientation. Furthermore, we analyzed the games listed by participants as examples of what they enjoy, to understand which factors influence player preferences. Results illustrate that the emergent player traits and participants’ genders and attitudes toward story can partially explain player preferences toward certain games. Finally, we present the implications toward a definitive player traits model.

Vanishing Importance: Studying Immersive Effects of Game Audio Perception on Player Experiences in Virtual Reality

@inproceedings{Rogers2018a,
author = {Rogers, Katja and Ribeiro, Giovanni and Wehbe, Rina and Weber, Michael and Nacke, Lennart E},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - CHI '18},
doi = {10.1145/3173574.3173902},
publisher = {ACM},
title = {{Vanishing Importance : Studying Immersive Effects of Game Audio Perception on Player Experiences in Virtual Reality}},
year = {2018}
}

Sound and virtual reality (VR) are two important output modalities for creating an immersive player experience (PX). While prior research suggests that sounds might contribute to a more immersive experience in games played on screens and mobile displays, there is not yet evidence of these effects of sound on PX in VR. To address this, we conducted a within-subjects experiment using a commercial horror-adventure game to study the effects of a VR and monitor-display version of the same game on PX. Subsequently, we explored, in a between-subjects study, the effects of audio dimensionality on PX in VR. Results indicate that audio has a more implicit influence on PX in VR because of the impact of the overall sensory experience and that audio dimensionality in VR may not be a significant factor contributing to PX. Based on our findings and observations, we provide five design guidelines for VR games.

Year 2017

A Framework and Taxonomy of Videogame Playing Preferences

@inproceedings{Tondello2017d,
abstract = {Player preferences for different gaming styles or game elements has been a topic of interest in human-computer interaction for over a decade. However, current models suggested by the extant literature are generally based on classifying abstract gaming motivations or player archetypes. These concepts do not directly map onto the building blocks of games, taking away from the utility of the findings. To address this issue, we propose a conceptual framework of player preferences based on two dimensions: game elements and game playing styles. To investigate these two concepts, we conducted an exploratory empirical investigation of player preferences, which allowed us to create a taxonomy of nine groups of game elements and five groups of game playing styles. These two concepts are foundational to games, which means that our model can be used by designers to create games that are tailored to their target audience. In addition, we demonstrate that there are significant effects of gender and age on participants' preferences and discuss the implications of these findings.},
address = {Amsterdam, Netherlands},
author = {Tondello, Gustavo F. and Wehbe, Rina R. and Orji, Rita and Ribeiro, Giovanni and Nacke, Lennart E.},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2017 Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play - CHI PLAY '17},
doi = {10.1145/3116595.3116629},
isbn = {9781450348980},
keywords = {Game Elements,Games User Research,Player Types},
publisher = {ACM},
title = {{A Framework and Taxonomy of Videogame Playing Preferences}},
year = {2017}
}

Player preferences for different gaming styles or game elements has been a topic of interest in human-computer interaction for over a decade. However, current models suggested by the extant literature are generally based on classifying abstract gaming motivations or player archetypes. These concepts do not directly map onto the building blocks of games, taking away from the utility of the findings. To address this issue, we propose a conceptual framework of player preferences based on two dimensions: game elements and game playing styles. To investigate these two concepts, we conducted an exploratory empirical investigation of player preferences, which allowed us to create a taxonomy of nine groups of game elements and five groups of game playing styles. These two concepts are foundational to games, which means that our model can be used by designers to create games that are tailored to their target audience. In addition, we demonstrate that there are significant effects of gender and age on participants’ preferences and discuss the implications of these findings.

Left Them 4 Dead: Perception of Humans versus Non-Player Character Teammates in Cooperative Gameplay

@inproceedings{Wehbe2017a,
address = {Edinburgh, UK},
author = {Wehbe, Rina R and Lank, Edward and Nacke, Lennart E},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2017 Conference on Designing Interactive Systems},
doi = {10.1145/3064663.3064712},
isbn = {9781450349222},
keywords = {Cooperative Games,Games User Research (GUR),Sociality,User Experience},
pages = {403--415},
publisher = {ACM},
title = {{Left Them 4 Dead : Perception of Humans versus Non-Player Character Teammates in Cooperative Gameplay}},
year = {2017}
}

Why do we care if our teammates are not human? This study seeks to uncover whether or not the perception of other players as human or artificial entities can influence player experience. We use both deception and a between-participants blind study design to reduce bias in our experiment. Our qualitative results show that people do care about the perceived nature of other players, even though they are not always able to correctly identify them as human or as non-player character teammates. Interview data suggest believing that one is playing with other humans can positively affect a player’s subjective experience. Furthermore, our qualitative results indicate that players view their non-player character teammates as humanized entities, but adopt a neo-feudalistic (i.e., an unequal rights) view of them. Based on our results, we establish game design guidelines for non-player character teammates leading to stronger, emotional human-computer relationships in video games.

Testing Incremental Difficulty Design in Platformer Games

@inproceedings{Wehbe2017,
abstract = {Designing difficulty levels in platformer games is a challenge for game designers. It is important because design decisions that affect difficulty also directly affect player experience. Consequently, design strategies for balancing game difficulty are discussed by both academics and game designers. In this paper, we study how manipulating the following design decisions, commonly found in platformers, moderates difficulty: Scroll Speed, Target Size, Jump Task Complexity, and Perspective. Results for Scroll Speed and Target Size indicate that errors increase as speed increases and platform size decreases. However, results for jump task complexity demonstrate a separation of errors from task complexity. Specifically, while double-jump tasks are harder than single-jump tasks, triple-jump tasks appear to be as difficult as double-jump tasks. Additionally, the study demonstrates how changes in perspective affect the errors made by players in gameplay. The study results are applicable both to automatic level generation and dynamic difficulty adjustment in platformer games.},
address = {Denver, CO, USA},
author = {Wehbe, Rina R and Mekler, Elisa D and Schaekermann, Mike and Lank, Edward and Nacke, Lennart E},
booktitle = {Proceeding of the 2017 ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/3025453.3025697},
pages = {5109--5113},
publisher = {ACM},
title = {{Testing Incremental Difficulty Design in Platformer Games}},
year = {2017}
}

Designing difficulty levels in platformer games is a challenge for game designers. It is important because design decisions that affect difficulty also directly affect player experience. Consequently, design strategies for balancing game difficulty are discussed by both academics and game designers. In this paper, we study how manipulating the following design decisions, commonly found in platformers, moderates difficulty: Scroll Speed, Target Size, Jump Task Complexity, and Perspective. Results for Scroll Speed and Target Size indicate that errors increase as speed increases and platform size decreases. However, results for jump task complexity demonstrate a separation of errors from task complexity. Specifically, while double-jump tasks are harder than single-jump tasks, triple-jump tasks appear to be as difficult as double-jump tasks. Additionally, the study demonstrates how changes in perspective affect the errors made by players in gameplay. The study results are applicable both to automatic level generation and dynamic difficulty adjustment in platformer games.

Year 2016

ABOVE WATER: An Educational Game for Anxiety

@inproceedings{Wehbe2016,
Abstract = {We present Above Water - a digital/physical hybrid game to inform people about the available strategies to cope with two types of Anxiety Disorders - Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. The game teaches players about existing treatments. This hybrid game is designed to inspire players to share their experiences and develop their own personal narrative. The document also outlines an assessment strategy to study the game and determine its effectiveness as a game for health. The game is designed to educate non-institutionalized individuals with clinical anxiety and panic disorder. Potential players may be diagnosed, seeking intervention information, or a supportive friend.},
Address = {Austin, TX, USA},
Author = {R. R. Wehbe, D. K. Watson, G. F. Tondello, M. Ganaba, M. Stocco, A. Lee, and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2016 annual symposium on computer-human interaction in play extended abstracts - chi play ea '16},
Doi = {10.1145/2968120.2971804},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/anxiety.jpg},
Keywords = {Game for Health, Psychology, Mental Health},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {ABOVE WATER: An Educational Game for Anxiety},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/above-water-educational-game-anxiety},
Year = {2016},

We present Above Water - a digital/physical hybrid game to inform people about the available strategies to cope with two types of Anxiety Disorders - Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. The game teaches players about existing treatments. This hybrid game is designed to inspire players to share their experiences and develop their own personal narrative. The document also outlines an assessment strategy to study the game and determine its effectiveness as a game for health. The game is designed to educate non-institutionalized individuals with clinical anxiety and panic disorder. Potential players may be diagnosed, seeking intervention information, or a supportive friend.

ABOVE WATER: Extending the Play Space for Health

@inproceedings{Wehbe2016a,
Abstract = {ABOVE WATER is a game that disseminates information about Clinical Anxiety Disorders, particularly Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. This game focuses on teaching players about treatments as well as providing a safe space for discussion of personal experiences. This game focuses on using the physical world (physical space, physical and tangible cards) and the digital world (accessible by any phone or tablet with a modern web browser) as part of its gameplay.},
Address = {Niagara Falls, ON, Canada},
Author = {R. R. Wehbe, D. K. Watson, G. F. Tondello, and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2016 international conference on interactive surfaces and spaces - iss '16},
Doi = {10.1145/2992154.2996882},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/anxiety.jpg},
Keywords = {Games for Health, Mobile Games, Psychology},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {ABOVE WATER: Extending the Play Space for Health},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/above-water-extending-play-space-for-health},
Year = {2016},

ABOVE WATER is a game that disseminates information about Clinical Anxiety Disorders, particularly Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. This game focuses on teaching players about treatments as well as providing a safe space for discussion of personal experiences. This game focuses on using the physical world (physical space, physical and tangible cards) and the digital world (accessible by any phone or tablet with a modern web browser) as part of its gameplay.

CHI PLAYGUE: A Mobile Conference Networking Game

@inproceedings{Tondello2016b,
Abstract = {Modern professional networking relies on social media. To take advantage of this fact, we present CHI PLAYGUE, a conference game designed to facilitate interaction among strangers and encourage social networking to create a community. The game integrates digital technology (mobile devices and large displays) within the space of the conference venue, combined with a mixed-reality narrative and people’s social interactions to facilitate the emergence of social dynamics. By providing a platform for large-scale, playful interaction, the game creates an experience that fosters the development of mutually beneficial, personal, and professional relationships among players.},
Address = {Niagara Falls, ON, Canada},
Author = {G. F. Tondello, R. R. Wehbe, and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2016 international conference on interactive surfaces and spaces - iss '16},
Doi = {10.1145/2992154.2996870},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/CHI-PLAYGUE-A-Networking-Game-of-Emergent-Sociality1.jpg},
Keywords = {Social networking game, mobile game, mixed-reality game, social game, gamification},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {CHI PLAYGUE: A Mobile Conference Networking Game},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/chi-playgue-a-mobile-conference-networking-game},
Year = {2016},@inproceedings{Tondello2016b,

Modern professional networking relies on social media. To take advantage of this fact, we present CHI PLAYGUE, a conference game designed to facilitate interaction among strangers and encourage social networking to create a community. The game integrates digital technology (mobile devices and large displays) within the space of the conference venue, combined with a mixed-reality narrative and people’s social interactions to facilitate the emergence of social dynamics. By providing a platform for large-scale, playful interaction, the game creates an experience that fosters the development of mutually beneficial, personal, and professional relationships among players.

Games of the Heart and Mind: Affective Ludology and the Development of Emotionally Aware Player Experiences.

@book{perron2016video,
  title={Video games and the mind: essays on cognition, affect and emotion},
  author={Perron, Bernard and Schr{\"o}ter, Felix},
  year={2016},
  publisher={McFarland}
}

Investigating the Impact of Cooperative Communication Mechanics on Player Performance in Portal 2

@inproceedings{Vaddi2016,
Abstract = {Cooperative communication mechanics, such as avatar gestures or in-game visual pointers, enable player collaboration directly through gameplay. We currently lack a deeper understanding of how players use cooperative communication mechanics, and whether they can effectively supplement or even supplant traditional voice and chat communication. The present research investigated player communication in Portal 2 by testing the game’s native cooperative communication mechanics for dyads of players in custom test chambers. Following our initial hypothesis, players functioned best when they had access to both cooperative communication mechanics and voice. We found that players preferred voice communication, but perceived cooperative communication mechanics as necessary to coordinate interdependent actions.},
Address = {Victoria, BC, Canada},
Author = {D. Vaddi, Z. O. Toups, I. Dolgov, R. R. Wehbe, and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of graphics interfaces 2016},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Validating-Test-Chambers-to-Study-Cooperative-Communication-Mechanics-in-Portal-2e.jpg},
Keywords = {Game analysis,communication,cooperation,experimentation},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {Investigating the Impact of Cooperative Communication Mechanics on Player Performance in Portal 2},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/investigating-impact-cooperative-communication-mechanics-player-performance-portal-2},
Year = {2016},

Cooperative communication mechanics, such as avatar gestures or in-game visual pointers, enable player collaboration directly through gameplay. We currently lack a deeper understanding of how players use cooperative communication mechanics, and whether they can effectively supplement or even supplant traditional voice and chat communication. The present research investigated player communication in Portal 2 by testing the game’s native cooperative communication mechanics for dyads of players in custom test chambers. Following our initial hypothesis, players functioned best when they had access to both cooperative communication mechanics and voice. We found that players preferred voice communication, but perceived cooperative communication mechanics as necessary to coordinate interdependent actions.

The Gamification User Types Hexad Scale

@inproceedings{Tondello2016,
abstract = {Several studies have indicated the need for personalizing gamified systems to users' personalities. However, mapping user personality onto design elements is difficult. Hexad is a gamification user types model that attempts this mapping but lacks a standard procedure to assess user preferences. Therefore, we created a 24-items survey response scale to score users' preferences towards the six different motivations in the Hexad framework. We used internal and test-retest reliability analysis, as well as factor analysis, to validate this new scale. Further analysis revealed significant associations of the Hexad user types with the Big Five personality traits. In addition, a correlation analysis confirmed the framework's validity as a measure of user preference towards different game design elements. This scale instrument contributes to games user research because it enables accurate measures of user preference in gamification.},
address = {Austin, TX, USA},
author = {Tondello, Gustavo F. and Wehbe, Rina R. and Diamond, Lisa and Busch, Marc and Marczewski, Andrzej and Nacke, Lennart E.},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2016 Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play - CHI PLAY '16},
doi = {10.1145/2967934.2968082},
file = {:C$\backslash$:/Users/Gustavo/Google Drive/HCI Games Group Documents/Projects and Papers/Gamification player types/Hexad Validation Paper/The Gamification User Types Hexad Scale-Camera Ready.pdf:pdf},
keywords = {Gameful Design,Gamification,Hexad,User Types},
mendeley-groups = {HCI Games Group Publications},
publisher = {ACM},
title = {{The Gamification User Types Hexad Scale}},
year = {2016}
}

Several studies have indicated the need for personalizing gamified systems to users' personalities. However, mapping user personality onto design elements is difficult. Hexad is a gamification user types model that attempts this mapping but lacks a standard procedure to assess user preferences. Therefore, we created a 24-items survey response scale to score users' preferences towards the six different motivations in the Hexad framework. We used internal and test-retest reliability analysis, as well as factor analysis, to validate this new scale. Further analysis revealed significant associations of the Hexad user types with the Big Five personality traits. In addition, a correlation analysis confirmed the framework's validity as a measure of user preference towards different game design elements. This scale instrument contributes to games user research because it enables accurate measures of user preference in gamification.

“The Collecting Itself Feels Good”: Towards Collection Interfaces for Digital Game Objects

@inproceedings{Toups2016,
Abstract = {Digital games offer a variety of collectible objects. We investigate players' collecting behaviors in digital games to determine what digital game objects players enjoyed collecting and why they valued these objects. Using this information, we seek to inform the design of future digital game object collection interfaces. We discuss the types of objects that players prefer, the reasons that players value digital game objects, and how collection behaviors may guide play. Through our findings, we identify design implications for digital game object collection interfaces: enable object curation, preserve rules and mechanics, preserve context of play, and allow players to share their collections with others. Digital game object collection interfaces are applicable to the design of digital games, gamified applications, and educational software.},
Address = {Austin, TX, USA},
Author = {Z. O. Toups, N. K. Crenshaw, R. R. Wehbe, G. F. Tondello, and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of the 2016 annual symposium on computer-human interaction in play - chi play '16},
Doi = {10.1145/2967934.2968088},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dgo.jpg},
Keywords = {Digital game objects,collecting behaviors},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {“The Collecting Itself Feels Good”: Towards Collection Interfaces for Digital Game Objects},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/the-collecting-itself-feels-good},
Year = {2016},

Digital games offer a variety of collectible objects. We investigate players' collecting behaviors in digital games to determine what digital game objects players enjoyed collecting and why they valued these objects. Using this information, we seek to inform the design of future digital game object collection interfaces. We discuss the types of objects that players prefer, the reasons that players value digital game objects, and how collection behaviors may guide play. Through our findings, we identify design implications for digital game object collection interfaces: enable object curation, preserve rules and mechanics, preserve context of play, and allow players to share their collections with others. Digital game object collection interfaces are applicable to the design of digital games, gamified applications, and educational software.

Year 2015

CHI PLAYGUE: A Networking Game of Emergent Sociality

@inproceedings{Tondello2015a,
Abstract = {Modern professional networking is heavily reliant on social media. In recognition of this trend, we present CHI PLAYGUE, a conference game designed to facilitate interaction among strangers and encourage social networking to create a community. The game facilitates the emergence of social dynamics related to trust, allegiance, betrayal, selective interaction, and long- term strategic cooperation. By providing a platform for large-scale playful interaction, we will create an experience that will foster the development of mutually beneficial personal and professional relationships among players.},
Address = {London, United Kingdom},
Author = {G. F. Tondello, R. R. Wehbe, S. N. Stahlke, A. Leo, R. Koroluk, and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of chi play 2015},
Doi = {10.1145/2793107.2810265},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/CHI-PLAYGUE-A-Networking-Game-of-Emergent-Sociality1.jpg},
Isbn = {9781450334662},
Keywords = {QR code,Social networking game,casual game,gamification,mobile game,social games},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {CHI PLAYGUE: A Networking Game of Emergent Sociality},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/chi-playgue-a-networking-game-of-emergent-sociality},
Year = {2015},

Modern professional networking is heavily reliant on social media. In recognition of this trend, we present CHI PLAYGUE, a conference game designed to facilitate interaction among strangers and encourage social networking to create a community. The game facilitates the emergence of social dynamics related to trust, allegiance, betrayal, selective interaction, and long- term strategic cooperation. By providing a platform for large-scale playful interaction, we will create an experience that will foster the development of mutually beneficial personal and professional relationships among players.

Collaborative Multi-Touch Clinical Handover System for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

@article{kamaleswaran2015collaborative,
  title={Collaborative Multi-Touch Clinical Handover System for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit},
  author={Kamaleswaran, Rishikesan and Wehbe, Rina R and Pugh, J Edward and Lennart, Lennart and McGregor, Carolyn and James, Andrew},
  journal={electronic Journal of Health Informatics},
  volume={9},
  number={1},
  pages={5},
  year={2015}
}

A critically ill infant admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit requires complex, critical, and coordinated care performed by multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Since the infant’s care is not provided by a single, individual physician during the infant’s hospital stay, clinical handover is essential to enable the transfer of health information between physicians involved in the infant’s care. O

Data Synchronization in Games User Research

@inproceedings{Wehbe2015a,
Abstract = {By overlapping information from a variety of techniques, researchers are able to gain a better overall picture of the user experience. In Games User Research (GUR) a variety of methodologies are in use ranging from qualitative approaches (e.g. interviews), quantitative approach (e.g. metrics), as well as, physiological approaches (e.g. electroencephalography (EEG)). With the combination of different techniques, synchrony of data collection becomes essential. In the presented paper, details such as sampling rate, marker placement, and time stamps are discussed.},
Address = {London, UK},
Author = {R. R. Wehbe and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Gur tool design jam},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Introducing-the-Biometric-Storyboards-Tool-for-Games-User-Research.png},
Keywords = {Data,Games User Research (GUR),Mixed Measures,Physiological Measures,Sampling Rates,Synchronization,Time Stamps},
Title = {Data Synchronization in Games User Research},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/data-synchronization-in-games-user-research},
Year = {2015},

By overlapping information from a variety of techniques, researchers are able to gain a better overall picture of the user experience. In Games User Research (GUR) a variety of methodologies are in use ranging from qualitative approaches (e.g. interviews), quantitative approach (e.g. metrics), as well as, physiological approaches (e.g. electroencephalography (EEG)). With the combination of different techniques, synchrony of data collection becomes essential. In the presented paper, details such as sampling rate, marker placement, and time stamps are discussed.

Toward Understanding Why Players Value In-Game Collections

@inproceedings{Toups2015,
Abstract = {The purpose of this paper is to investigate why players value in-game objects by collecting data through online survey and, in the near future, through follow-up interviews. Initial analyses of our online survey data reveal how game genre interacts with the the perceived value of the player’s collections. We expect to discover new connections between play style and/or personality type and why players enjoy collecting digital objects. Implications from this work explain what drives player enjoyment, which will inform not only general game design, but specifically enhance retention and interest in serious games, gamified applications, and educational systems.},
Address = {London, UK},
Author = {Z. O. Toups, G. F. Tondello, R. R. Wehbe, L. E. Nacke, and N. K. Crenshaw},
Booktitle = {Workshop on personalization in serious and persuasive games and gamified interactions},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/troll-priest-25.jpg},
Keywords = {Collections,Game Object Value,Player Attitudes},
Title = {Toward Understanding Why Players Value In-Game Collections},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/toward-understanding-why-players-value-in-game-collections},
Year = {2015},

The purpose of this paper is to investigate why players value in-game objects by collecting data through online survey and, in the near future, through follow-up interviews. Initial analyses of our online survey data reveal how game genre interacts with the the perceived value of the player’s collections. We expect to discover new connections between play style and/or personality type and why players enjoy collecting digital objects. Implications from this work explain what drives player enjoyment, which will inform not only general game design, but specifically enhance retention and interest in serious games, gamified applications, and educational systems.

Towards Understanding the Importance of Co-Located Gameplay

@inproceedings{Wehbe2015,
Abstract = {Analyzing the social context present in a gameplay environment and its effect on player experience can provide insights informing the design and social value of games. We investigate the influence of social condition (cooperative or competitive play with a human player versus computer-controlled character) on player experience. The study controlled for co-presence by ensuring that another individual attending to the same stimulus was present in all conditions. Although physiological measures were not significant, subjective measures of arousal and pleasure were significantly different under varying conditions.},
Address = {London, United Kingdom},
Author = {R. R. Wehbe and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of chi play 2015},
Doi = {2793107.2810312},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Towards-Understanding-the-Importance-of-Co-Located-Gameplay.jpg},
Isbn = {9781450334662},
Keywords = {Co-located Play,EEG,HR,Multiplayer,Physiological Methods,SC,Single Player,Video Games},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {Towards Understanding the Importance of Co-Located Gameplay},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/towards-understanding-the-importance-of-co-located-gameplay},
Year = {2015},

Analyzing the social context present in a gameplay environment and its effect on player experience can provide insights informing the design and social value of games. We investigate the influence of social condition (cooperative or competitive play with a human player versus computer-controlled character) on player experience. The study controlled for co-presence by ensuring that another individual attending to the same stimulus was present in all conditions. Although physiological measures were not significant, subjective measures of arousal and pleasure were significantly different under varying conditions.

Towards a Personalized Playful Digital Wellness Assistant

@inproceedings{Tondello2015b,
Abstract = {Positive effects of using digital games to improve personal health have been studied, but it remains unclear which game design techniques are most successful at motivating and changing long-term behaviour to improve wellbeing. To inform the design of gamified and effective personal healthcare, we will develop design guidelines and tools for gameful health and wellbeing applications, personalized to the needs and challenges of each individual user.},
Address = {London, UK},
Author = {G. F. Tondello, R. R. Wehbe, and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Workshop on personalization in serious and persuasive games and gamified interactions},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/squash-793062_640.jpg},
Keywords = {Adaptive Systems,Health Games,Personal Assistant,Personalization,Persuasive Technologies,Wellness},
Title = {Towards a Personalized Playful Digital Wellness Assistant},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/towards-a-personalized-playful-digital-wellness-assistant},
Year = {2015},

Positive effects of using digital games to improve personal health have been studied, but it remains unclear which game design techniques are most successful at motivating and changing long-term behaviour to improve wellbeing. To inform the design of gamified and effective personal healthcare, we will develop design guidelines and tools for gameful health and wellbeing applications, personalized to the needs and challenges of each individual user.

Understanding Player Attitudes Towards Digital Game Objects

@inproceedings{Tondello2015,
Abstract = {Humans collect; we examine this behavior in digital game contexts to understand how players’ penchant for collecting items can inform game design. As part of an ongoing research agenda to understand player atti- tudes towards digital game objects, we conducted an online survey about player habits with interviews as future work. We present an initial analysis of our data. Our findings suggest that players value game objects most in Role-Playing Games (RPGs). Utility and Enjoy- ment were cited as the main reasons for a digital game objects’ value, followed by Investment, Self-Expression and Memory. Dyes or color-changing features; physical placement adjustments; and naming or name-changing features were the most frequent personalization fea- tures desired for game object customization. We aim to improve game design through a deep understanding of player motivations regarding their game objects.},
Address = {London, United Kingdom},
Author = {G. F. Tondello, R. R. Wehbe, Z. O. Toups, L. E. Nacke, and N. K. Crenshaw},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of chi play 2015},
Doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/2793107.2810292},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/troll-priest-25.jpg},
Isbn = {9781450334662},
Keywords = {Game Object Value,Player Attitudes},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {Understanding Player Attitudes Towards Digital Game Objects},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/understanding-player-attitudes-towards-digital-game-objects},
Year = {2015},

Humans collect; we examine this behavior in digital game contexts to understand how players’ penchant for collecting items can inform game design. As part of an ongoing research agenda to understand player atti- tudes towards digital game objects, we conducted an online survey about player habits with interviews as future work. We present an initial analysis of our data. Our findings suggest that players value game objects most in Role-Playing Games (RPGs). Utility and Enjoy- ment were cited as the main reasons for a digital game objects’ value, followed by Investment, Self-Expression and Memory. Dyes or color-changing features; physical placement adjustments; and naming or name-changing features were the most frequent personalization fea- tures desired for game object customization. We aim to improve game design through a deep understanding of player motivations regarding their game objects.

Validating Test Chambers to Study Cooperative Communication Mechanics in Portal 2

@inproceedings{Vaddi2015,
Abstract = {Cooperative communication mechanics, such as avatar gestures or in-game visual pointers, enable player collaboration directly through gameplay. There are open questions about how players use cooperative communication mechanics, and whether they can effectively supplement or even supplant traditional voice and chat communication. This paper describes a future study to investigate player communication in Portal 2, and chronicles the design and validation of test chambers for the study.},
Address = {London, United Kingdom},
Author = {D. Vaddi, R. R. Wehbe, Z. O. Toups, S. N. Stahlke, R. Koroluk, and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of chi play 2015},
File = {::},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Validating-Test-Chambers-to-Study-Cooperative-Communication-Mechanics-in-Portal-2e.jpg},
Keywords = {Game analysis,communication,cooperation,experimentation},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {Validating Test Chambers to Study Cooperative Communication Mechanics in Portal 2},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/validating-test-chambers-to-study-cooperative-communication-mechanics-in-portal-2},
Year = {2015},

Cooperative communication mechanics, such as avatar gestures or in-game visual pointers, enable player collaboration directly through gameplay. There are open questions about how players use cooperative communication mechanics, and whether they can effectively supplement or even supplant traditional voice and chat communication. This paper describes a future study to investigate player communication in Portal 2, and chronicles the design and validation of test chambers for the study.

Year 2014

Design guidelines for Gamifying reading applications

@inproceedings{7405433,
  author={R. R. {Wehbe} and J. {Robb} and J. {Clarke} and J. {Costa} and L. E. {Nacke}},
  booktitle={2014 IEEE Games Media Entertainment}, 
  title={Design guidelines for Gamifying reading applications}, 
  year={2014},
  volume={},
  number={},
  pages={1-4},
  doi={10.1109/GEM.2014.7405433}}

Reading competes with an increasing number of leisure activities like video games. Consequently, written language skills are receding. Thus, motivating people to read is a problem that seems well-suited to gamification (i.e., the use of game design to motivate people to read). To investigate ways in which to gamify reading, we conducted a survey pilot study about how adding game mechanics to reading would encourage people to read more. We investigated the social nature of people talking about reading and the process of recommending books. We interviewed a gender-balanced group of participants to obtain more information about their reading habits for leisure, work, or academia. Our results indicate that people are reading for self-improvement purposes and not primarily for social reasons.

Evaluating social and cognitive effects of video games using electroencephalography

@phdthesis{wehbe2014evaluating,
  title={Evaluating social and cognitive effects of video games using electroencephalography.},
  author={Wehbe, Rina R},
  year={2014}
}

Games User Research (GUR) is an area of evaluative player research and human-computer interaction (HCI) that aims to improve games, focused on a player’s understanding and on their experience when playing games. In this field, techniques are available to measure and understand user experience. These techniques each have their own strengths and weaknesses. To improve and extend GUR methodology, this thesis explores ways that electroencephalography (EEG) can be used as an evaluative measure as part of a mixed methodology. The thesis aims to improve the accuracy and richness of GUR results obtained using EEG. Hemispheric Frontal Alpha Asymmetry (HFAA) is reviewed in depth as a useful EEG technique to measure arousal in real time. HFAA, the EEG methodology proposed in this thesis is used in several experimental studies reported here to show new insights into the social and cognitive factors of gaming. The research presented in this thesis shows that player experience related to the social environment of a game does not necessarily arise from gameplay, but instead relies more on the expectations of a player than the current literature suggests. Additionally, the thesis introduces a new way to investigate player understanding and learning in games, using real-time data about the player’s brain state. This is particularly useful for game designers creating introductory tutorial mechanisms for their games. The result of this research is useful for both researchers investigating the human brain immersed in the virtual world of a video game and game designers wanting to use real-time user feedback to build their games.

Understanding difficulty, your brain and challenge

@inproceedings{10.1145/2658537.2659014,
author = {Wehbe, Rina R.},
title = {Understanding Difficulty, Your Brain and Challenge},
year = {2014},
isbn = {9781450330145},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/2658537.2659014},
doi = {10.1145/2658537.2659014},
abstract = {My thesis proposes to use physiological measures with a focus on electroencephalography (EEG) to examine user-centered difficulty in games and user interfaces. The thesis specifically looks at both intended sources of difficulty and unintended sources of difficulty.},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the First ACM SIGCHI Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play},
pages = {303–306},
numpages = {4},
keywords = {electroencephalography (EEG), human-computer interaction (HCI), mixed-methods, brain-computer interfaces (BCI), physiological measures},
location = {Toronto, Ontario, Canada},
series = {CHI PLAY '14}
}

My thesis proposes to use physiological measures with a focus on electroencephalography (EEG) to examine user-centered difficulty in games and user interfaces. The thesis specifically looks at both intended sources of difficulty and unintended sources of difficulty.

User Research for 3D Display Settings with EEG Frontal Alpha Asymmetry

The effectiveness of stereoscopic 3D displays in games is currently debated for creating immersive player experiences. In this project, we investigate how stereoscopic 3D can work in games that make use of depth information in 2D overlays and how this affects physiological brain responses (EEG) indicating player arousal. We conducted a pilot study to determine whether stereoscopic 3D is more arousing than other depth techniques such as shadow cues and heads-up displays (HUD). Participants played a game with multiple game maps in different display conditions: stereoscopic 3D (S3D), heads-up display (HUD), shadow (S), or none (N). The physiological results showed no hemispheric activity difference by condition.

Year 2013

An Introduction to EEG Analysis Techniques and Brain-Computer Interfaces for Games User Researchers

@inproceedings{wehbe2013introduction,
Abstract = {Games User Research (GUR) can provide meaningful insights into the study of games. As a part of GUR, we focus on the area of cognitive psychology and discuss electroencephalography (EEG) as an evaluation technique for games. We want to introduce game researchers to EEG when studying the cognitive side of player experience and discuss how it can benefit game studies. In this paper, we review EEG techniques before providing researchers with information about general EEG setup and methodology, EEG data collection, preparation, and analysis. Techniques reviewed have been used in medical applications, research, brain-computer interaction (BCI) and human-computer interaction (HCI) applications. In addition, future ideas for applications of EEG techniques in game studies are discussed. We outline how to use different EEG analysis techniques for game research and it is our hope to make these techniques more understandable for the game studies community and to demonstrate their merit for games user research.},
Address = {Atlanta, GA, United States},
Author = {R. R. Wehbe and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of digra 2013},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/an_introduction_to_eeg_analysis_techniques_and_brain-computer_interfaces_for_games_user_researchers.png},
Organization = {DiGRA},
Pages = {1-16},
Publisher = {DiGRA},
Title = {An Introduction to EEG Analysis Techniques and Brain-Computer Interfaces for Games User Researchers},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/an-introduction-to-eeg-analysis-techniques-and-brain-computer-interfaces-for-games-user-researchers},
Year = {2013},

Games User Research (GUR) can provide meaningful insights into the study of games. As a part of GUR, we focus on the area of cognitive psychology and discuss electroencephalography (EEG) as an evaluation technique for games. We want to introduce game researchers to EEG when studying the cognitive side of player experience and discuss how it can benefit game studies. In this paper, we review EEG techniques before providing researchers with information about general EEG setup and methodology, EEG data collection, preparation, and analysis. Techniques reviewed have been used in medical applications, research, brain-computer interaction (BCI) and human-computer interaction (HCI) applications. In addition, future ideas for applications of EEG techniques in game studies are discussed. We outline how to use different EEG analysis techniques for game research and it is our hope to make these techniques more understandable for the game studies community and to demonstrate their merit for games user research.

EEG-Based Assessment of Video and In-Game Learning

@inproceedings{wehbe2013eeg,
Abstract = {People often learn game-related information in video games by taking turns playing and watching each other play. This type of in-game learning involves both observation and imitation of actions. However, games are also made to be learnt individually during gameplay. Our study seeks to assess which is more effective for learning: just playing a game yourself or watching somebody play it first. We compare two gameplay situations: playing a digital game before watching a game-play video and playing a digital game after watching a gameplay video. Using a between-participants design, to measure learning effectiveness we recorded Mu rhythms, which are indirectly linked to mirror neuron activation during imitation learning. We also analyze hemispheric frontal alpha asymmetry. Our results indicate that presentation order of the video game matters and players are more aroused when watching a gameplay video before playing.},
Address = {Paris, France},
Author = {R. R. Wehbe, D. L. Kappen, D. Rojas, M. Klauser, B. Kapralos, and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of CHI EA 2013},
Doi = {10.1145/2468356.2468474},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/eeg-based_assessment_of_video_and_in-game_learning.png},
Organization = {ACM},
Pages = {667-672},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {EEG-Based Assessment of Video and In-Game Learning},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/eeg-based-assessment-of-video-and-in-game-learning},
Year = {2013},

People often learn game-related information in video games by taking turns playing and watching each other play. This type of in-game learning involves both observation and imitation of actions. However, games are also made to be learnt individually during gameplay. Our study seeks to assess which is more effective for learning: just playing a game yourself or watching somebody play it first. We compare two gameplay situations: playing a digital game before watching a game-play video and playing a digital game after watching a gameplay video. Using a between-participants design, to measure learning effectiveness we recorded Mu rhythms, which are indirectly linked to mirror neuron activation during imitation learning. We also analyze hemispheric frontal alpha asymmetry. Our results indicate that presentation order of the video game matters and players are more aroused when watching a gameplay video before playing.

Exploring Social Interaction in Co-Located Multiplayer Games

@inproceedings{kappen2013exploring,
Abstract = {Games have always been a social activity. Playing digital games affords spending time with people; helps build personal connections between individuals and helps to redefine the personality of the player while in play. Games also enable to build the concept of togetherness as a means to foster and enhance the concept of social connectedness, mutual dependencies, collaboration, community living and social interaction. We present a work in progress digital game installation to create multi-level social interactions between the player, the spatial game environment and the digital game. We discuss MagicDuel, a multiplayer digital game, where we are in the process of evaluating the socio-spatial contextual relationship between the players, the audience and gameplay elements for this specific digital game.},
Address = {Paris, France},
Author = {D. L. Kappen, J. Gregory, D. Stepchenko, R. R. Wehbe, and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of CHI EA 2013},
Doi = {10.1145/2468356.2468556},
Img = {http://hcigames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Exploring-Social-Interaction-in-Co-Located-Multiplayer-Games.png},
Organization = {ACM},
Pages = {1119-1124},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {Exploring Social Interaction in Co-Located Multiplayer Games},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/exploring-social-interaction-in-co-located-multiplayer-games},
Year = {2013},

Games have always been a social activity. Playing digital games affords spending time with people; helps build personal connections between individuals and helps to redefine the personality of the player while in play. Games also enable to build the concept of togetherness as a means to foster and enhance the concept of social connectedness, mutual dependencies, collaboration, community living and social interaction. We present a work in progress digital game installation to create multi-level social interactions between the player, the spatial game environment and the digital game. We discuss MagicDuel, a multiplayer digital game, where we are in the process of evaluating the socio-spatial contextual relationship between the players, the audience and gameplay elements for this specific digital game.

Games User Research using EEG Techniques.

Time's Up: Studying Leaderboards for Engaging Punctual Behaviour

@inproceedings{costa2013time,
Abstract = {In the workplace, an individual's punctuality will not only have an effect on how a person is viewed by colleagues, but will also reverberate on their productivity. Being late for a meeting can be disruptive to the working team, costing everyone time and causing the individual to miss valuable information. Little has been done to improve the punctuali- ty of working teams. Therefore, we were interested in stud- ying the effectiveness of leaderboards, a common gamifica- tion technique, for improving punctuality of participants to regular work meetings. Leaderboards were comprised of data collected by monitoring the arrival times of the partici- pants, which influenced their scores in the leaderboards. We found that leaderboards themselves did not promote punc- tuality of every participant, but gave rise to various gameful social comparisons. These gameful social comparisons that emerged among participants when using leaderboards for our meetings were reported to be the cause of their punctu- ality improvements.},
Address = {Stratford, ON, Canada},
Author = {J. P. Costa, R. R. Wehbe, J. Robb, and L. E. Nacke},
Booktitle = {Proceedings of gamification 2013},
Organization = {ACM},
Pages = {26-33},
Publisher = {ACM},
Title = {Time's Up: Studying Leaderboards for Engaging Punctual Behaviour},
Url = {https://hcigames.com/download/time's-up-studying-leaderboards-for-engaging-punctual-behaviour},
Year = {2013},

In the workplace, an individual's punctuality will not only have an effect on how a person is viewed by colleagues, but will also reverberate on their productivity. Being late for a meeting can be disruptive to the working team, costing everyone time and causing the individual to miss valuable information. Little has been done to improve the punctuali- ty of working teams. Therefore, we were interested in stud- ying the effectiveness of leaderboards, a common gamifica- tion technique, for improving punctuality of participants to regular work meetings. Leaderboards were comprised of data collected by monitoring the arrival times of the partici- pants, which influenced their scores in the leaderboards. We found that leaderboards themselves did not promote punc- tuality of every participant, but gave rise to various gameful social comparisons. These gameful social comparisons that emerged among participants when using leaderboards for our meetings were reported to be the cause of their punctu- ality improvements.