The construction and evaluation of a design framework for narrative games for health
Permanent URL:
http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20194358
Intille, Stephen S. (Committee member)
El-Nasr, Magy S. (Committee member)
Montfort, Nick (Committee member)
To solve these problems, I define the DraGuNa (Drama-Guided Narrative Health Game) framework, a methodology that uses drama theory and sound principles from behavioral medicine to guide games for health design to solve the current problems in games for health. The dissertation introduces a methodology of game design, specifically developed for games for health, which addresses two key constructs: engagement--ensuring users stick with the game for the duration of the intervention; and adherence--ensuring users perform those actions in the game hypothesized by behavioral medicine theories to lead to health behavior change. The dissertation also provides a methodology to develop interactive narrative-based games based on existing story media, which also suggests a new path of research for the intelligent narrative community. Finally, the dissertation describes an experimental framework for testing the effects of a game on the two fundamental dimensions of player involvement in the intervention--engagement and adherence--and tests the relative contributions of each on health outcomes.
health behavior change
intelligent narrative
Computer games -- Design
Video games -- Design
Educational games -- Design
Health education -- Audio-visual aids
Narration (Rhetoric) -- Psychological aspects
Behavior modification
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