MELoDiA is an iMinds-MIX project that brings together game mechanics and insights from music education in a mobile app that provides real-time feedback when children learn to sing content they like. This research looks at the expectations of children aged 8 to 12 with little to no experience with music education towards music education games. How can we integrated these expectations in the development of the MELoDiA application?

1. MELoDiA
A music education game
designed for and
with children.
DIGRA @ VRT / 22 10 2014 Image source: http://www.make-music-better.com/images/SLEEPY_MUSIC_STUDENT.jpg

2. MELoDiA
An iMinds-MIX project
that brings together game mechanics and
insights from music education
in a mobile app that provides real-time
feedback when children learn to sing
content they like.

3. MELoDiA:
An iMinds-MIX project ...

4. MELoDiA
... that brings together game mechanics and insights from
music education ... (1/3)
Intrinsic Motivation Theory: make users feel competent
(mastery), autonomous & give purpose for deep learning
experiences.
Source: Deci, E.L. and Ryan, R.M. Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Plenum, New York, 1985.

5. MELoDiA
... that brings together game mechanics and insights from
music education ... (2/3)
‘Flow’: being fully engaged
in an activity that matches
your abilities, has clear
objectives, and in which
immediate feedback is
given at your efforts and
progress rather than at your
performance.
Cfr. ‘Zone of proximal
development’ (Vygotsky) &
‘scaffolding’
Source: http://www-tc.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_large_image/blogs/Flow_Senia_Maymin.jpg

6. MELoDiA
... that brings together game mechanics and insights from
music education ... (3/3)

7. MELoDiA
... in a mobile app that provides real-time feedback when
children learn to sing content they like.

8. Involving end-users in the design process
Child-Centered Game Development
What are the expectations of children aged 8 to 12 with little to no experience
with music education towards music education games?
How can we integrated these expectations in the development of the
MELoDiA application?

9. Participatory design / CoDesign
software
professionals
end
users
“third
space”
Bron: Sanders, E. B.-N. & Stappers, P. J. 2008. Co-creation and the new landscapes of design.
http://www.maketools.com/articles-papers/CoCreation_Sanders_Stappers_08_preprint.pdf

10. Children’s involvement in MELoDiA
3 points of contact
interview + concept memoline + screenshots test + evaluation
Proxy test

11. First contact
• Interviews
• Concept presentation
• Proxy-Technology Assessment:
‘Piano Dust Buster’
• 10 families, 16 children

14. Second contact
• Proxy-Technology Assessment:
Memoline
• First screenshots
• 10 families, 16 children

17. Third contact
• Tests with first demonstrator
• Perform a number of tasks
in groups of 2 or 3 children
• 2 primary schools, 9 + 8 children

19. Results
• No literal results, ‘a design space’
• Radical vs. Incremental Innovation
Bron: Norman, D.A. & Verganti, R. 2012. Incremental vs. radical innovation: design research versus technology and meaning change.
http://jnd.org/dn.mss/Norman%20%26%20Verganti.%20Design%20Research%20%26%20Innovation-18%20Mar%202012.pdf

20. Eagerness to Learn
Image source: www.flickr.com/photos/slopjop/346849414/

21. Rewards and Progress
Icon source: http://thenounproject.com/term/stairway-to-heaven/22040/

22. Autonomy & control

23. Private practice,
public performance
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfreire/1807490953

24. Improvise, manipulate

26. Was it worth it?
• Several findings are in line with (expectations
based on) DGBL, gamification and flow theory.
• Children’s involvement points out certain
approaches, creates focal points, gives
direction on what is and is not desirable. The
insights helped to translate the concepts to the
MELoDiA use case.

27. Impact on MELoDiA concept
• Detailed feedback on parts that need
improvement + tailored exercises.
• Stage show mode
• Some structure, but mainly free to explore and
play
• Clear indication of progress. Rewards based on
skill, commitment & persistence
• No activities on the improvisation approach

28. Questions?
Pieter Duysburgh
Pieter.Duysburgh@vub.ac.be