Serious games for research
Serious Games as a Research Tool Games as a Method Serious games can contribute to scientific research in many different ways and at many different stages. Think of collecting quantitative…
Tina’s World of Hands
Hand-washing game for children
Can a serious game teach children to wash their hands better? With this question, the University of Twente and the University of Münster approached 8D Games. It soon became clear that children often do know that washing their hands is important. However, it is not always clear how and when it is best to wash your hands. With a prototype, we started to investigate how serious gaming could change this.
The power of Tina’s hand-washing game
1
Encouraging washing hands in a playful way
2
Awareness of the importance of washing hands
3
Active work format, which makes information sink in better
Playing and moving in the open air
The assignment was to develop a game prototype that would transfer knowledge about hand washing to young children in an appealing and activating way. With a prototype, you mainly want to see whether the mechanics are effective and indeed work for the target group, without having to immediately develop a complete product.
At the same time, a young target group is not able to ‘see through’ the prototype, so even before testing the gameplay, a lot of the functionalities and appealing artwork would have to be created. The trick was to find the right balance.
This is how we tackled it
Based on interviews, we researched what children already know about handwashing and where exactly the information needs lie. For example: in which situations is it difficult to wash your hands, even though you know you have to? And when do you skip it? We also used very simple prototypes to test how much information children aged 6 to 8 can process through a game. We found out that children in this age group can handle more information than we had expected, especially when it is presented in a good way.
Thepower-up we have realised
We have developed a point-and-click adventure game with two types of gameplay. On the one hand, children are taken into a fantasy story within the ‘world of hands’ of Tina. In the world of hands, children see that some places – for example, damp locations with little fresh air – are more attractive to bad bacteria. In these places they find many more ‘bacteria dolls’ than in other places. Children are challenged to recognise these characteristics. Using a puzzle game, they then learn in what order they can best perform the ‘hand-washing steps’.
Looking for behavioural change?
Questions? Need a sparring partner?
Call 058 843 57 57
Mail johan@8d-games.nl
Johan will tell you more during an introductory meeting, without any obligation!
Launch your project together with us. We will work together with you, your target audience, and all involved to establish a solid foundation for your game or gamification. More competence, less risk.
The development of Tina’s World of Hands shows that it is possible to involve children through serious gaming and encourage them to learn about hygiene. This game not only teaches children that it is important to wash your hands to maintain health and well-being, but also encourages them to be responsible for their own learning process. The game Tina’s World of Hands therefore also contributes to promoting a healthy and well-informed generation!