Emotional Design of Games for Learning: Effects of Game Character Shape, Color, Expression, and Dimensionality

• In Event: Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: Research on Games Poster Session

Abstract

Recent research has shown that design elements of digital learning environments can be used to induce positive emotions that enhance comprehension and transfer, and has shown that cognitive skills training can be enhanced by using game characters designed to induce high emotional arousal rather low emotional arousal. Our investigation evaluated the relative emotional impact of four different visual design features of game characters in game-based learning environments on learner emotional valence and arousal: shape, color, expression, and dimensionality. Results show expression having a large effect size, color having a medium effect, shape having an insignificant to medium effect, and dimensionality having a small effect only for negative emotions. We discuss the theoretical and applied implications of these findings.

Authors

• Andrew Patricio MacNamara, New York University

• Teresa M. Ober, City University of New York

• Maya Rose

• Alvaro Olsen, New York University

• Bruce Douglas Homer, City University of New York

• Jan L. Plass, New York University