Nourish Your Tree! Developing a Persuasive Exergame for Promoting Physical Activity Among Adults

Abstract

In this paper, we present the design and development of a persuasive game for promoting physical activity and discouraging sedentariness. The game is based on the tree metaphor which links a player's physical activity level (operationalized using step count) to the health of a tree. Thus, as the player becomes physically active (such as walking or running), the tree's health improves. The tree withers if player's physical activity level reduces. The game employs various persuasive strategies based on the Persuasive Systems Design (PSD) framework to boost players' motivation and provide an enjoyable experience. We believe that our game will yield improved physical activity levels among adults by encouraging them to regularly engage in light-intensity activity (e.g., slow-walking), moderate-intensity activity (e.g., brisk-walking), and vigorous-intensity activity (e.g., running). By being physically active, players protect themselves from chronic health conditions and improve their emotional and mental well-being.