Introduction:
Handwriting is essential for participating in school and later academic success. Learning to write is a complex process, but many children struggle because of poor pencil skills. In a previous project we developed the SensoGrip System, a pressure-sensitive pen including visual feedback for children with difficulties.
Objectives:
Within the Grip´n´Play project we aim to develop and evaluate serious games using the SensoGrip-System. Digital games on a tablet will be controlled with the SensoGrip and thereby support children in their pencil skills.
Methods:
Our interdisciplinary team of occupational therapists, engineers and software-developers followed a user-centred design process and involved end users throughout the whole process. We conducted surveys and workshops to gather gaming ideas from children, parents, teachers, and occupational therapists. In co-creation workshops topics for the games were identified and outcome assessments drafted to measure the effectiveness, usability and transfer to everyday life. In the next phase the games will be developed, and we will collect feedback on the prototypes. In a final study we will explore the use and the usability of the games.
Results:
The participants identified 89 game ideas including sports, nature, and everyday life activities. The workshops offered deeper insights into game design, emphasizing the importance of simple, intuitive mechanics and therapeutic elements such as pressure, tilt, and speed functions. At the congress we will present the games and results of the first tests.
Conclusion:
Digital games controlled with the SensoGrip system may motivate and facilitate pen skills in children and thereby support school participation.