"USABILITY TESTING OF THE M.A.E.G.U.S. SERIOUS GAME" by James He

Date of Award

Spring 2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Computer and Information Technology

First Advisor

David Whittinghill

Committee Member 1

Mihaela, Vorvoreanu

Committee Member 2

Victor Chen

Abstract

Interpreting raw data in serious games and simulations can be a time consuming and uninteresting task without visualizations. This study proposes one possible solution for an interface that incorporates data visualizations for Whittinghill and Nataraja's (2013) MAEGUS simulation, a serious game used to increase the retention of wind energy and solar energy concepts in students, while still being fun. After the interface was designed and developed, a think aloud usability test was conducted to answer the following research questions: how do students use a series of information visualizations to operate a multi-variate game-based simulation and what are some the usability issues the students face in the simulation? A thematic analysis was then conducted to document and organize the responses.

Share

COinS