Case Study: End users in recovery from substance use disorders as designers and developers of digital games with therapeutic potential

We propose a design process and a web system to support the design and development of digital games with therapeutic potential by people in recovery from Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). The proposal aims to generate more autonomy for end users as a means of scaling game design for therapy. This case study aims to evaluate the design process and the web system. We also assessed the autonomy of end users (patients). We employ a case study, as a methodological approach, conducting six meetings with design activities and the development of digital games with patients in recovery from SUDs and their therapists. Research data were collected through field diaries, observation, questionnaires, and interviews. Results suggest that participants were more autonomous with the support of the web system. This paper also features a discussion of the authors' perception of the activities, design implications, and recommendations for future research in the same domain.