Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Rethinking Serious Games Design in the Age of COVID-19: Setting the Focus on Wicked Problems

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Serious Games (JCSG 2020)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNISA,volume 12434))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

We live in a complex world, in which our existence is defined by forces that we cannot fully comprehend, predict, nor control. This is the world of wicked problems, of which the situation triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic is a notable example. Wicked problems are complex scenarios defined by the interplay of multiple environmental, social and economic factors. They are everchanging, and largely unpredictable and uncontrollable. As a consequence, wicked problems cannot be definitively solved through traditional problem-solving approaches. Instead, they should be iteratively managed, recognizing and valuing our connectedness with each other and the environment, and engaging in joint thinking and action to identify and pursue the common good. Serious games can be key to foster wicked problem management abilities. To this end, they should engage players in collective activities set in contexts simulating real-world wicked problem scenarios. These should require the continuous interpretation of changing circumstances to identify and pursue shared goals, promoting the development of knowledge, attitudes and skill sets relevant to tackle real-world situations. In this paper we outline the nature, implications and challenges of wicked problems, highlighting why games should be leveraged to foster wicked problem management abilities. Then, we propose a theory-based framework to support the design of games for this purpose.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Ackoff, R.L.: The Art of Problem Solving. Wiley, New York (1978)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Ackoff, R.L.: Systemϖ Trist, E., Murray, H. (eds.) The Social Engagement of Social Science, pp. 417–438 (1997)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Argyris, C.: Double loop learning in organizations. Harv. Bus. Rev. 55(5), 115–125 (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Bae, H., Glazewski, K., Hmelo-Silver, C.E., Lester, J., Mott, B.W., Rowe, J.: Intelligent cognitive assistants to support orchestration in CSCL. In: Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Conference, CSCL, vol. 2, pp. 947–948 (2019)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Bedny, G.Z., Karwowski, W., Jeng, O.J.: The situational reflection of reality in activity theory and the concept of situation awareness in cognitive psychology. Theor. Issues Ergon. Sci. 5(4), 275–296 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1080/1463922031000075070

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Bedny, G., Meister, D.: The Russian Theory of Activity: Current Applications to Design and Learning. Psychology Press, New York (2014)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  7. Beinecke, R.H.: Introduction: leadership for wicked problems. Innov. J. 14(1), 1–17 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Buchanan, R.: Wicked problems in design thinking. Des. Issues 8(2), 5–21 (1992). https://doi.org/10.2307/1511637

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Buchinger, D., da Silva Hounsell, M.: Guidelines for designing and using collaborative-competitive serious games. Comput. Educ. 118, 133–149 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2017.11.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Carayon, P.: Human factors of complex sociotechnical systems. Appl. Ergon. 37(4), 525–535 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2006.04.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Checkland, P., Poulter, J.: Soft systems methodology. In: Reynolds, M., Holwell, S. (eds.) Systems Approaches to Managing Change: A Practical Guide, pp. 191–242 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-809-4_5

  12. Conklin, J.: Dialogue Mapping: Building Shared Understanding of Wicked Problems. Wiley, New York (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Cress, U., Rosé, C., Wise, A., Oshim, J. (eds.): International Handbook of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning. Springer, Heidelberg (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Davis, B., Sumara, D., Luce-Kapler, R.: Engaging Minds: Changing Teaching in Complex Times, 2nd edn. Routledge, New York (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Dieleman, H., Huisingh, D.: Games by which to learn and teach about sustainable development: exploring the relevance of games and experiential learning for sustainability. J. Clean. Prod. 14(9–11), 837–847 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2005.11.031

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Diniz dos Santos, A., Strada, F., Bottino, A.: Approaching sustainability learning via digital serious games. IEEE Trans. Learn. Technol. 12(3), 303–320 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1109/TLT.2018.2858770

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Dorst, K.: Design problems and design paradoxes. Des. Issues 22(3), 4–17 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Fabricatore, C.: Underneath and beyond mechanics: an activity-theoretical perspective on meaning-making in gameplay. In: Suter, B., Kocher, M., Bauer, R. (eds.) Games and Rules: Game Mechanics for the “Magic Circle”, pp. 87–112 (2019). https://doi.org/10.14361/9783839443040-006

  19. Fabricatore, C., López, X.: A model to identify affordances for game-based sustainability learning. In: Busch, C. (ed.) Proceedings of the 8th European Conference on Game Based Learning, pp. 99–109 (2014). https://doi.org/10.13140/2.1.5028.0967

  20. Fabricatore, C., Lopez, X.: Game-based learning as a meaning making-driven activity process: a human factors perspective. In: Elbæk, L., Majgaard, G., Valente, A., Khalid, S. (eds.) Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Game Based Learning, ECGBL 2019, pp. 218–226 (2019). https://doi.org/10.34190/GBL.19.177

  21. Fabricatore, C., Lopez, X.: Education in a complex world: nurturing chaordic agency through game design. In: Visser, J., Visser, M. (eds.) Seeking Understanding: The Lifelong Pursuit to Build the Scientific Mind, pp. 325–353. Brill | Sense, Leiden (2020)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Gyaurov, D., Fabricatore, C., Lopez, X.: An analysis instrument for gameplay information flows supporting sustainability complex problem-solving. In: Elbæk, L., Majgaard, G., Valente, A., Khalid, S. (eds.) Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Game Based Learning, ECGBL 2019, pp. 863–871 (2019). https://doi.org/10.34190/GBL.19.171

  23. Gordon, G., Esbjörn-Hargens, S.: Integral play: an exploration of the playground and the evolution of the player. AQAL J. Integral Inst. 2(3), 62–104 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  24. Holland, J.H.: Emergence: From Chaos to Order. Addison-Wesley, Redwood City (1998)

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  25. Houghton, L., Tuffley, D.: Towards a methodology of wicked problem exploration through concept shifting and tension point analysis. Syst. Res. Behav. Sci. 32(3), 283–297 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.2223

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Jones, P.H.: Systemic design principles for complex social systems. In: Metcalf, G.S. (ed.) Social Systems and Design. TSS, vol. 1, pp. 91–128. Springer, Tokyo (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-54478-4_4

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  27. Karwowski, W.: The discipline of human factors and ergonomics. In: Salvendy, G. (ed.) Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 4th edn., pp. 3–37. Wiley, Hoboken (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  28. McDaniel Jr., R.R., Driebe, D.J.: 1 uncertainty and surprise: and introduction. In: McDaniel Jr., R.R., Driebe, D.J. (eds.) Uncertainty and Surprise in Complex Systems, pp. 3–11. Springer, Heidelberg (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/10948637_1

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  29. Ravyse, W.S., Seugnet Blignaut, A., Leendertz, V., Woolner, A.: Success factors for serious games to enhance learning: a systematic review. Virtual Real. 21(1), 31–58 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-016-0298-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Rittel, H.W.J., Webber, M.M.: Dilemmas in a general theory of planning. Policy Sci. 4(2), 155–169 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01405730

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Sicart, M.: Moral dilemmas in computer games. Des. Issues 29(3), 28–37 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1162/desi_a_00219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Swain, C.: Designing games to effect social change. In: 3rd Digital Games Research Association International Conference: “Situated Play”, DiGRA 2007, pp. 805–809 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  33. Tilbury, D., Wortman, D.: Engaging People in Sustainability. IUCN, Gland (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Van Eijnatten, F.M.: Chaordic systems thinking: some suggestions for a complexity framework to inform a learning organization. Learn. Organ. 11(6), 430–449 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Whitton, N.: Digital Games and Learning: Research and Theory. Routledge, New York (2014)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  36. Wilson, J.R.: Fundamentals of systems ergonomics/human factors. Appl. Ergon. 45(1), 5–13 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2013.03.021

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. E.H.E. Europa Hochschule EurAKA, Erlenstrasse 31, 4106, Therwil, Switzerland

    Carlo Fabricatore

  2. University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK

    Dimitar Gyaurov & Ximena Lopez

Authors
  1. Carlo Fabricatore
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Dimitar Gyaurov
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ximena Lopez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carlo Fabricatore .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Falmouth University, Penryn, UK

    Minhua Ma

  2. Staffordshire University, Stoke-On-Trent, UK

    Bobbie Fletcher

  3. Multimedia Communications Lab - KOM, TU Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany

    Stefan Göbel

  4. KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, Södertälje, Stockholms Län, Sweden

    Jannicke Baalsrud Hauge

  5. Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Tim Marsh

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Fabricatore, C., Gyaurov, D., Lopez, X. (2020). Rethinking Serious Games Design in the Age of COVID-19: Setting the Focus on Wicked Problems. In: Ma, M., Fletcher, B., Göbel, S., Baalsrud Hauge, J., Marsh, T. (eds) Serious Games. JCSG 2020. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 12434. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61814-8_19

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61814-8_19

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-61813-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-61814-8

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation