Exertion Interfaces

 

Exertion Interfaces is a research activity that investigates how the design of computing technology that demands physical exertion can facilitate more exciting experiences. In particular, considering sweat from physical effort might lead to exertion games that utilize advantages from video gaming technology, such as supporting players from geographically distant locations, or, in short, "Sports over a Distance".

We have developed several prototypes, such as the Jogging over a Distance system above, to demonstrate our approach of combining gaming technology with sports thinking, and have conducted studies that show that health benefits from sports, such as physical and mental, - but for us most important: social benefits like social connectedness and team building - can be facilitated when the design of the system is right. We focus on understanding how to design such systems. 

We have developed a set of prototypes that investigate different ways of playing sports over a distance, but also developed theories how these games can be understood, as well as guidelines to help designers create better games or computer experiences by utilizing exertion to facilitate more social experiences.

Thinking about social computer games? Think Exertion Interfaces!