JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Games for health (G4H) are a promising approach to health promotion. Their success depends on achieving both experiential (game) and instrumental (health) objectives. There is little to guide G4H designers in integrating the science of behavior change with the art of game design.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to extend the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) program planning model to develop CHALLENGE, a G4H centered on increasing physical activity in insufficiently active older women.

Methods:

We present and apply the G4H Mechanics, Experiences, CHAnge (MECHA) process, which supplements the BCW program planning model. The additional steps are centered on identifying target G4H player experiences and corresponding game mechanics to help game designers integrate design elements and G4H objectives into behavioral interventions.

Results:

We identified a target behavior of increasing moderate intensity walking among insufficiently active older women and key psychosocial determinants of this behavior from Self-Determination Theory (e.g., autonomy). We used MECHA to map these constructs to intervention functions (e.g., persuasion) and G4H target player experiences (e.g., captivation). Next, we identified behavior change techniques (e.g., framing/reframing) and specific game mechanics (e.g., transforming) to help realize intervention functions and elicit targeted player experiences.

Conclusions:

MECHA can help researchers map specific linkages between distal intervention objectives and more proximal game design mechanics in G4Hs. This can facilitate G4H program planning, evaluation, and clearer scientific communication. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT04095923; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04095923