I was able to go to a senior center in our local area and talk to the director and interview some of the nurses and patients there. After talking to the director I realized that I've narrowed my idea to one small box without thinking about other possibilities. I thought since I'm interested in programming a game, these elders would love to play it, but I realized that not necessarily. What these elders are looking for in a game is something that is hands-on and something that they can create. If there is a definite rule or something where they can't do what they want, they will eventually give up or not want to play. Initially, I wanted to create a game that was absolutely online where they put 3D objects together, but the director said that not many are familiar with technology, and most have lost some of their sense (sight, hearing, touch, etc.). I realized after talking to him, that there were many different factors I didn't attempt to incorporate and think about.

Points from the Director

• More tactile

  • Some have lost senses

  • Bad eyesight but great touch sense

  • Good eyesight but not best hearing

• Bigger is best

  • Can’t really see at such an old age especially with dementia on top of that

• Simplicity

  • If too complicated then might get demotivated or not play at all

• Arts and Craft theme

• Could go on the technology/digital direction, but need to remember that most may not have that access to that technology or don’t know how to use technology or may know but again don’t have the senses to

• Have to think about what will make a child engaged

  • How will a child like it?

Observation