This Simposium takes place within the research project:

Break the loop: Driving meaningful interactions with inconvenient game design strategies

Research project | FCT/PeX

Computation, Hybrid Practices and Culture

This project’s main research question is: How can friction, inconvenience, and playful strategies stemming from game design be used in interaction design as inducers of meaning, reflectiveness and higher-order thinking by users? Secondary questions include: How can flow be constructively interrupted and moderated through the use of friction in the interaction with digital media? What are the purposes for breaking flow in digital media? What kinds of teaching and learning materials can be developed for these methods?

The project will provide an understanding of how friction, inconvenience and other playful strategies found in games can be used to promote meaning and reflectiveness in users. Furthermore, it will develop design tools, such as strategies, principles and patterns, that designers and other stakeholders can use to access this knowledge. These tools will be developed in pedagogical contexts and with the industry partners for whom they are directed. The results include an open-access book with the theory and models, a database of design patterns and resources for practitioners, educators, and learners, and interface actions with industry partners.

Research Institute in Art, Design and Society