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Mobile Exergaming in Adolescents’ Everyday Life—Contextual Design of Where, When, with Whom, and How: The SmartLife Case

Author

Listed:
  • Ayla Schwarz

    (Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Ann DeSmet

    (Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
    Research Foundation Flanders, 1000 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Greet Cardon

    (Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Sebastien Chastin

    (Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
    School of Health and Life Science, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK)

  • Ruben Costa

    (Centre of Technology and Systems, UNINOVA, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal)

  • António Grilo

    (Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da UNL, UNIDEMI, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal)

  • Josue Ferri

    (Asociación de Investigación de la Industria Textil, AITEX, 03801 Alcoy, Spain)

  • Jorge Domenech

    (Asociación de Investigación de la Industria Textil, AITEX, 03801 Alcoy, Spain)

  • Jeroen Stragier

    (Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
    IMEC-MICT, Department of Communication Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

Abstract

Exergames, more specifically console-based exergames, are generally enjoyed by adolescents and known to increase physical activity. Nevertheless, they have a reduced usage over time and demonstrate little effectiveness over the long term. In order to increase playing time, mobile exergames may increase potential playing time, but need to be engaging and integrated in everyday life. The goal of the present study was to examine the context of gameplay for mobile exergaming in adolescents’ everyday life to inform game design and the integration of gameplay into everyday life. Eight focus groups were conducted with 49 Flemish adolescents (11 to 17 years of age). The focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed by means of thematic analysis via Nvivo 11 software (QSR International Pty Ltd., Victoria, Australia). The adolescents indicated leisure time and travel time to and from school as suitable timeframes for playing a mobile exergame. Outdoor gameplay should be restricted to the personal living environment of adolescents. Besides outdoor locations, the game should also be adaptable to at-home activities. Activities could vary from running outside to fitness exercises inside. Furthermore, the social context of the game was important, e.g., playing in teams or meeting at (virtual) meeting points. Physical activity tracking via smart clothing was identified as a motivator for gameplay. By means of this study, game developers may be better equipped to develop mobile exergames that embed gameplay in adolescents’ everyday life.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayla Schwarz & Ann DeSmet & Greet Cardon & Sebastien Chastin & Ruben Costa & António Grilo & Josue Ferri & Jorge Domenech & Jeroen Stragier, 2018. "Mobile Exergaming in Adolescents’ Everyday Life—Contextual Design of Where, When, with Whom, and How: The SmartLife Case," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:5:p:835-:d:142853
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    Cited by:

    1. Ayla Schwarz & Greet Cardon & Sebastien Chastin & Jeroen Stragier & Lieven De Marez & Consortium SmartLife & Ann DeSmet, 2021. "Does Dynamic Tailoring of A Narrative-Driven Exergame Result in Higher User Engagement among Adolescents? Results from A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-19, July.

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