User experience design considerations for healthcare games and applications

Abstract

The use of games, simulations, and other applications is rapidly growing in the field of healthcare for purposes including training, education, and promoting wellness. However, a comprehensive literature review illustrates that there is often disconnect between content creators and the healthcare providers or patients who utilize their products, resulting in negative experiences and perceptions. This article uses current research to examine how efficacy of new media learning in a healthcare setting is affected by considerations such as design practices and users' attitudes. Exploring the design of healthcare games and applications through the lens of user experience, we are able to analyze current practices and develop specific design recommendations to improve future game-based scenarios.