Gaming Dr. Discovery: Iterative Game Design for Informal Science Learning

• In Event: 53.081 - Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: 53.081-15 - Game-Based Learning and Discovery

Abstract

The Ask Dr. Discovery study addresses the need for ongoing museum evaluation while investigating ways to encourage museum visitors to engage deeply with museum content.
To realize these aims, we are developing a mobile app featuring: 1) a scientist called Dr. D. who answers visitor science questions and 2) a back-end analytics portal to be mined by museum staff, evaluators, and researchers. In partnership between our team and two area science museums, we are developing this app as a platform for STEM informal education, research, and data-driven decision-making.
In this paper, we describe the iterative design process used to create a game mode version of the app, focusing on challenges in creating a casual game for use in museum settings.

Authors

• Brian C. Nelson, Arizona State University

• Catherine D.D. Bowman, Arizona State University

• Judd Bowman, Arizona State University

• Jared Korinko