PuzzleWalk: A theory-driven iterative design inquiry of a mobile game for promoting physical activity in adults with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Primary symptoms of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as pervasive social deficits in social interaction and communication, cause adults with ASD to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Meanwhile, gamified and behavioral theory-based interventions have been shown to improve physical activity in a fun and unobtrusive way. In this paper, we describe the iterative design inquiry process of PuzzleWalk, a gamified, physical activity-promoting mobile app designed for adults with ASD. We report the design rationales and lessons learned across four user-centered design phases with ASD experts and adults with ASD, including user requirement gathering, iterative participatory design, usability evaluation, and field deployment. The design insights generated from this work could inform future research focusing on designing sociotechnical systems, games, and interventions for people with ASD.

The Use of Online Training Tools in Competition Cyclists During COVID-19 Confinement in Spain

“…Therefore, as found in other fields of application ( Gershkovich et al, 2020 ; Oh et al, 2020 ; Price et al, 2020 ) and in applications more related to physical activity for health purposes ( Leahy et al, 2019 ; Angosto et al, 2020 ; Gür et al, 2020 ; Kim et al, 2020 ), our results also affect the usefulness of the online training tools for a specific field of sport, cycling. Moreover, considering that our sample also includes professional sportsmen, the results can be applied also in the professional world, which could be extrapolated to other fields of professional sport.…”

Usability inquiry of a gamified behavior change app for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder

“…The results of an iterative inquiry on the PuzzleWalk system development have been reported elsewhere. 32…”

“…30 Given the stationary form of smartphone use, it may be crucial to transform smartphone usage time into more healthy and active time by leveraging gamification features to elevate intrinsic motivation for PA participation. 14,31,32 Mobile apps with gamification features present an innovative opportunity for increasing PA and reducing SB in adults with ASD while addressing a prevalent health disparity in this population segment. Using a mixed-methods approach, we aimed to (1) assess the system usability of a gamified, PA-promoting mobile app PuzzleWalk developed by the research team, (2) ascertain participant perspectives of technology use, PA, and SB in adults with ASD, compared to adults without ASD, and (3) examine possible differences in perceived evaluation of system usability, technology use, and PA participation between the two groups.…”

“…30 Given the stationary form of smartphone use, it may be crucial to transform smartphone usage time into more healthy and active time by leveraging gamification features to elevate intrinsic motivation for PA participation. 14,31,32…”

A Framework of Developing Mobile Gamification to Improve User Engagement of Physical Activity: A Case Study of Location-Based Augmented Reality Mobile Game for Promoting Physical Health

“…It was a very successful system in the early user study. [46] Proposed application "Puzzle walk", the gamified mobile, promotes physical activity of adults with autism spectrum disorder. The system applies game elements such as animated characters, problem-solving, and engaging storylines to drive intrinsic motivation of adults with ASD and encourage them to engage in physical activity by walking, following the scenario based.…”