Games and the Design of Human‐Computer Interfaces

Summary This paper discusses the relevance of computer‐games to the design of computer‐based training materials. Previous work on games and how they might be applied to the design of software, primarily in the field of Human‐Computer Interaction (HCI), has suggested that features of games may be used to design more effective computer systems (through more motivational interfaces). The paper will argue the opposite ‐ that game‐like features are, in fact, inappropriate to the design of applications systems and their user interfaces and are more effective in the design of computer‐based training materials. Three main arguments are presented to support this: the cultural distinction between work and recreation, the transient motivational effect of games, and the differences in use of computer systems.