Workshops on Designing Gamified Solutions for Health

A series of workshop focusing on creating gamified designs to improve engagement among young patients with chronic conditions, particularly Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Participants explored various gamification frameworks and methodologies, brainstorming solutions to enhance adherence to physical activity. The sessions combined theoretical insights and hands-on exercises, producing actionable designs with potential applications for broader health challenges.

What was the context of the workshop?

Chronic illnesses like MS affect young patients, making it important for them to adopt healthy habits early. Exercise helps reduce fatigue and improves quality of life for people with MS, but staying active can be hard. Gamification, that is adding game-like features to non-game activities, might make exercising more engaging.

What did we do?

A series of workshops brought people together to learn about gamification and design solutions for MS patients. Participants worked in teams using two different gamification methods to create ideas for apps or systems that could encourage physical activity. They also learned about MS and how gamification could help patients.

What did we find?

Participants developed creative solutions using techniques like personalized goals and game rewards. They discussed how gamified systems could motivate patients and identified possible challenges, like keeping designs simple and accessible. Each team presented their ideas, gaining feedback on their strengths and potential drawbacks.

Why is this important?

By involving diverse perspectives, workshops like this can create tools that make managing chronic illnesses easier and more enjoyable. These ideas could inspire health apps for many conditions, helping more people lead healthier lives.

Reference

Giunti G. Gamified Design for Health Workshop. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2016;225:605-6. PMID: 27332273. https://ebooks.iospress.nl/volumearticle/43118

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