World

The core of the app is to make walking activities in the local area more exciting and engaging, by adding a gamified layer to the GPS. The user can build structures in real world locations, but they are only seen on the phone. We first thought to create a sci-fi themed world around these mechanics, to explain why the structures are only digital. However we decided that it was better to make the structure feel more tangible than abstract data. We want to give the user the feeling that they have left a real mark on their surroundings. We considered having a real world settings, but found it too limiting. In the end we decided on a fantasy themed setting, which feels familiar and tangible, while also allowing for extraordinary fantasy.

Malone claims that using fantasy creates images of things that are not really there, which is what we aim to do. He states that using fantasy has cognitive and emotional advantages for designing an instructional environment, which is very relevant for us as we want to teach the user how to use their physical environment. (Kapp, 2012, p. 55)

The activities of the user is carried out in a virtual fantasy world, which allows for more extrinsic motivation. At the same time it is carried out in the real world. Moving from structure to structure is a means to progress in the fantasy world, while simultaneously highlighting the functionality of the activity. The user is learning to stay active, to set small goals to get to places of interest. We use the game elements of the virtual world to contextualize the utilitarian activity. (Kapp, 2012, p. 58)

Story

By using story elements the user can get richer memories, which are easier to recall in relevant situations. (Kapp, 2012, p. 168) Where a plain fitness app would only record the users activity and give the stats, this app weaves the users activities into a story narrative. The user is a novice magician in training, and builds magical structures, gathers resources and helps people they meet.

Characters

There are different characters in the game. The user has an avatar which they can customize. This avatar represents the user. We initially planned to have one mentor, but studies show that users learn significantly more when it’s roles are split into expert and motivator. (Kapp, 2012, p. 100) Their characters are designed to enhance their effects. There are also some “challenger”, an array of characters who shows up semi randomly.

The user avatar

Part of the on-boarding process is user avatar customization. The user can set gender, skin and hair color. At that point clothes can not be changed, as you only have the most basic outfit. At any point after on-boarding, the user avatar can be further customized. More clothes can be gained through app use. The user avatar is used to show where the user is on the map, and is thus viewed in third person. The user can see how their avatar also walks about in third person. This can contribute to the user adjusting their self-concept to match that of the avatars. (Kapp, 2012, p. 100)

The expert

During on-boarding the player avatar is introduced to the world and mechanics by an expert. He is presented as an authority figure in the world. Can be accessed whenever the user needs help or advice about fitness or game-play.

The motivator

If a celebrity-type figure makes an appearance and gives motivation, it provides extra motivation. We can use a video of a real person, or use an in-game character. (Kapp, 2012, p. 187) Using a famous person would be an opportunity to get extra publicity, and it would provide extra motivations for fans. However, our target audience is not likely to fully appreciate fitness celebrities, as they do not have a background fitness interest. Hiring a real celebrity would also add an extra cost to the budget. Seeing that we have set the story in a fantasy world, using a real celebrity would take the user out of that world, whereas using an in-game character would further develop the world. So we choose to create our own motivator character.

The motivator is on his own journey to become fit, and is easily impressed by you. He pops opp after activities, with motivating dialog. He will proudly tell the user about his own achievements, which are similar to the users. Can be accessed to get some motivational speeches.

The challengers

The challengers are used to provide challenges. They are also characters. They are not presented as deep in the app, but could have more lore in a wiki-page or other external medium, which could support motivation in some users. They are a varied array of fantasy characters.

Sources

Kapp, K. M. (2012). The Gamification of Learning and Instruction. John Wiley & Sons Inc.

:: Written by Anette Rana ::