Exploring Mind-Wandering Experiences in Gameplay
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Date
2022-01-26
Authors
Morayko, Kateryna
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Waterloo
Abstract
Mind-wandering---spontaneous thoughts---is a common process that can interfere with attention and focus, but can also be beneficial for mental health, creativity, learning, and (in some cases) task performance. Digital games may offer a unique medium to leverage the benefits of mind-wandering, yet there has been little to no investigation of mind-wandering on player experience. Therefore, it is unclear whether and how players experience mind-wandering and whether it should be encouraged by game designers. We conducted an observational study of people playing digital games from a list of games available to the researcher in three categories: one they found relaxing, a second in which they lost track of time while playing, and a third that they spent most hours playing. Results of the thematic analysis of eye-tracking data and gameplay, as well as a quasi-random experience sampling probe, revealed that eye-tracking and gameplay data should be viewed together in context for the understanding of mind-wandering experiences during gameplay.
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Keywords
human computer interaction, games user research, mind-wandering, experience sampling, digital games, thematic analysis, daydreaming, eye tracking, qualitative methods