Game and Interaction Science: Using Principles from Games to Design Novel Interfaces that Compel and Motivate

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Human-computer interaction (HCI) has typically focused on tasks and functionality of software, often with attention to usability only applied once functionality has been achieved. However, both recent technological advances and current successes in the marketplace suggest that people care deeply about the interaction itself. People are attracted by interactions that are simple, natural, and intuitive; preferably even pleasurable and playful. In spite of the huge commercial interest in this area, research has remained focused on usability. In contrast, my research team and I will explore the science behind making technology motivating, attractive, and perhaps even compelling to use. This will be a deep focus on interaction, where we will explore the technologies that support physicality in touch, as well as full-body and spatial interaction, looking to unlock those aspects of interaction that can move us towards the playful and the ludic while retaining functionality. While the focus in HCI has largely been on usability, the games industry has considered elements of immersion, engagement, and enjoyment more extensively. Games and play are known for capturing attention for hours at a time, and for encouraging repeated and continued use. Indeed, in many cases, game developers base their new platforms on those known to have achieved increased engagement, such as wildly successful smartphone games like Angry Birds or Candy Crush Saga, or the previous success of Nintendo's Wii. Many researchers have investigated ways to apply motivating aspects of gameplay towards positive behaviour change, such as motivating physical activity, encouraging healthy eating, and engaging in activities that lead to learning. However, researchers have tended to focus on the design of the games themselves, rather than the technology and interaction, for the source of motivational pull. In this research, we will investigate the science of games and interactionthe use of principles from games and play to design novel interfaces that compel and motivate interaction with new technologies. The proposed research will leverage theories of motivation that have been applied to games, such as self-determination theory, flow theory, and self-regulation theory, to understand the role of interfaces and technologies in motivating interaction and compelling the use of technology. This research program will provide critical insights for commercial development and research into novel technology, allowing for the intentional invention of compelling novel interaction.