The Design and Research project “Sound Design for Exergames” explores how sound design can be used both to convey information about movements but also to support engagement and motivation in the context of playing immersive exergames.
Exergames (exercise-oriented videogames) are becoming more popular and more effective. Besides the visual and narrative game design, the sound design of exergames is particularly important for motivation and engagement. Sound is a powerful medium for engaging physical action but also for expressing how a system responds to physical action, which also can be used in movement pattern learning.
The Design and Research project “Sound Design for Exergames” explores how sound design can be used both to convey information about movements but also to support engagement and motivation in the context of the “ExerCube”, a physically immersive exergame setup by the Swiss Startup Sphery (www.sphery.ch). A particular focus lies on inclusion, with the aim to provide people with various bodily abilities to experience their actions in an equally empowering and motivating way. This is achieved by addressing interpretational, affective, motivational, and hedonistic aspects of sound design and perception.
The project is a joint effort by the Department of Music (MA Sound Design, ICST), the Department of Design ZHdK (Game Design), the ZHAW Institute of Physiotherapy and the University of Waterloo with the support of Sphery AG.