Paidian Playful Interaction in Non-game User Interfaces

Abstract

I investigate "paidian" play in the context of non-game software user interfaces. Paidian play means activities that are open-ended, exploratory, and free-form. In an initial investigation, I characterize 16 types of playful experiences, 7 characteristics of play in software, and guidelines for the role of play in user interfaces, based on a qualitative analysis of a series of surveys and a brainstorming session with experts. As a case study of inspiring design with paidian play, a second investigation focuses on Easter eggs (hidden features in software applications), an interface feature associated with one of the playful experience types. I analyze source code repositories of open-source software containing Easter eggs, scrape online Easter egg databases, and interview developers of well-known software containing Easter eggs, to characterize 14 different Easter eggs purposes. Results show that Easter eggs provide significant value to developers and users, for example, by enabling recruitment of new developers and teaching users transferable knowledge and skills. I also propose implications for how Easter eggs could be applied in new ways, such as providing educational value. In a third investigation, as a design case study for paidian play, I define and implement "digital knick-knacks" as a form of playful digital possession (e.g., virtual pet). I deploy three exemplar designs in a diary study, in which participants customize and install a digital knick-knack on a personal device. The investigation reveals implications for how playful digital knick-knacks can bring joy and even support mental health. Taken together, the investigations show how user interfaces can be designed to provide social and emotional value to users through paidian play, including in workplace contexts.