Abstract: If exergames are to be used successfully to improve physical function in senior citizens, they need to be designed specifically for this target group. Muscle strength and balance training are the key components of exercise to prevent falling in seniors. The aim of this study was to design a new simplified exergame concept for senior citizens, which can focus on physical activity in general, and balance and muscle strength in particular. The study provides a new design concept of an exergame on the basis of assessment of 7 senior participants’ (70.6 + 7.9 years) experience with three commercially available exergames. The participants stated that the design of the existing exergames should be simplified and closely related to activities that can be associated with their daily life. The feedback was qualitatively analyzed to enlist the requirement of new exergame. A new simplified exergame design concept, Out in Nature, was created on the basis of the senior´s feedback. The new design focused on a simplistic design, playing game for balance and muscle training related to real life activities. The study demonstrates a concept for a game developed for seniors that can be used to train aspects of balance and gait as part of natural tasks. Authors: Ather Nawaz, Mathilde Waerstad, Kine Omholt, Jorunn L. Helbostad, Beatrix Vereijken, Nina Skjaeret and Lill Kristiansen

1. Designing Simplified Exergame for
Muscle and Balance Training in
Seniors: A Concept of ´Out in Nature´
Ather Nawaz, Mathilde Waerstad, Kine Omholt, Jorunn L. Helbostad, Beatrix
Vereijken, Nina Skjaeret and Lill Kristiansen
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway

2. Background
Aging population: Aged 60 and older set to double
(more than 22%) of overall population
Exergame: Video games controlled by physical
movements
Outcome: Decrease depression, Increase physical
function and balance
(Rosenberg et al., 2010, Jung et al., 2009, Schoene et al, 2013)
Generally exergames are not designed for Seniors

3. Aim
Design a new and simplified exergame concept for
senior citizens, which focuses on physical activity in
general, and balance and muscle strength in
particular.

4. Method
Workshop: Requirement
gathering through existing
exergames
Requirement Analysis
Design/prototype
Evaluate Prototype
User-centred Design
1
2
3
4
5
(ISO 9241-210, 2010)

5. Method
User-centred Design
1
2
3
4
5

6. Evaluation
• Qualitative
assessment of
observations
• Coding of interviews
and feedback
• Game flow model

7. Workshop 1
• 7 participants
• Both multi-player and single-
player
• Four commercial games: 1, 2)
Kinect Sports Season Two:
tennis and skiing, 3) Fruit
Ninja, 4) Your Shape Fitness
Evolved 2012: Aging with
Grace
• Questionnaire, observation,
and group discussion

8. Workshop 1 - Results
• Information Display: Simple, very simple
• Clear Outcome: Why are we doing this
• Progress and Learning: Are we doing it right?
• Appropriate Music
• Suggestions: Real-life activities: wood
chopping, picking apples, walk in nature,
biathlon

9. Implementation of Prototype
Game concept: Out in
nature
Prototype: Look and feel
Type: High fidelity

10. «Out in nature»

11. «Out in nature»
a) Jump from rock to rock b) walk over the log lying across the path
c) duck under the branch d) get over the lake by rowing boat
e) balance on the log to get over river f) walk on the rock laying on the path

12. Workshop 2
• Same participants
• Computer and Projector
• Paper prototypes
Evaluation
+ve -ve
Familier
environment
Quizzes/Cognitive
challenge
Simple interface No wizard
Clear goals
Alternative
expression of
Muscle group

13. Conclusion
• Focus on Senior-centred design
• Need to design with clear outcome (i.e., muscle
group training)
• Display limited information
• Progress and learning

14. Thank you
Ather Nawaz
Postdoc, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian
University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway
E-mail: ather.nawaz@ntnu.no
Website: www.athernawaz.com