Involving children in the design process of VR games aimed at improving attention in children with ADHD.

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder which affects the ability to direct attention, and mediate impulsive behaviour. Children with ADHD tend to perform worse academically than their peers due to challenges focusing within a traditional classroom. Research suggests video games aimed at training attention can improve these children’s performance, and more recently, Virtual Reality (VR) applications are being studied as they allow for precise control of potentially distracting elements in such a game. This research looks at how children can be involved in the design process of such a game, through co-design.

A class of children took part in design activities to generate ideas for a VR game, which were used in conjunction with existing design recommendations for children with ADHD to create a prototype game designed to improve attention in the classroom. The game is a rhythm game, designed to train children’s ability to direct and sustain their attention. The game’s design and usability were evaluated on a return visit to the classroom. Overall, the design process succeeded in producing a game which the children enjoyed playing, and many were proud to see their ideas in the prototype.