Mind the gap : probing exertion experience with experiential design landscapes

In this paper, we report our study on applying Experiential Design Landscapes as the basis of design process to support the design of exertion games. We approach this question by setting up an 8-day interaction design module with 7 groups of students. The methods of our module were developed based on the process model of Experiential Design Landscapes. According to the provided framework, the students were engaged in designing embodied interaction for office workers in their daily routine to support active lifestyles. We collected data including their design process and design results to discuss on how Experiential Design Landscapes lead students to explore the exertion experience. The students also wrote self-reflections after the course to reflect on their experience of the methods used during the module. We finally discuss the strengths, limitations, and opportunities of our approach in this context to enlighten future research and practice initiatives.