Abstract
In this article we present the Phygital Game project, a mixed-reality game platform in which children can play with or against a robot. The project was developed by adopting a human-centered design approach, characterized by the engagement of both children and parents in the design process, and situating the game platform in a real context—an educational center for children. We report the results of both the preliminary studies and the final testing session, which focused on the evaluation of usability factors. By providing a detailed description of the process and the results, this work aims at sharing the findings and the lessons learned about both the implications of adopting a human-centered approach across the whole design process and the specific challenges of developing a mixed-reality playground.
Highlights
Today, technological developments are increasing the multiplicity of scenarios in which people can interact with robots
We involved a representative sample of people, namely parents and children, and at a later stage we situated the platform in a real context, an educational center for children, where we adapted and redesigned a custom game for fitting into existing educative activities
In the forms, the level of enjoyment during play was associated with five main facial expressions: boredom, when the child never smiles and the face looks apathetic; not much amused, when the child gives a few hints of smiles; quite amused, when the child has a serene face; very amused, when the child smiles; and enthusiastic, when the child has a cheerful face and laughs
Summary
Technological developments are increasing the multiplicity of scenarios in which people can interact with robots. An HCD approach can contribute to the development of acceptable robotic solutions by exploring the possibility of applying user acceptance theories through the development of the projects [2]. As a matter of fact, a perfectly functioning robot that is meant to answer a real need and is perfectly designed in terms of affordability and appeal, can still be unsuccessful in terms of acceptance [5]. This is because in many cases the economic, social, and ethical preconditions are missing. HCD can contribute in this sense by understanding and creating the conditions for short-term touch points between robotics and society
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