“Step by step”: the development of a therapeutic game to assist in the treatment of drug use

Abstract

This research aimed to understand the potential of game design to improve the experience of drug users and their families with psychoeducation. In the design field, the term experience refers to the quality of the interaction between people and a product, which is, in this research, a therapeutic game called “Step by Step”. Fifteen in-depth interviews were developed with patients and their family members after playing “Step by Step” in multifamily groups. Results indicate that the game improved the experience with psychoeducation. Participants’ appraisals suggested that the game dynamics facilitated users’ immersion. The playing situation was assessed as safe to address sensitive issues not normally expressed between patients and their relatives. The visual and tactile designed stimuli were evaluated as learning facilitators. The simplicity of the game was appraised as helpful, allowing the inclusion of distinct generations in collective learning. Results provided insights to foster game design in the health field.