Merging Real Life Experiences With Technical Knowledge in a Playful Manner – A Case in e- Inclusion

Abstract: Connectivity to the Information Society does not imply inclusion. Active members of the Information Society (IS) do not just own technology and a connection to the world wide web, they know how to use the technology and inform and express themselves through it. It is therefore not enough just to provide the technology, individuals also need to be able to use it to meet their needs and support their activities. We made use of what we call video games as a potential channel to support the e-inclusion of marginalised members into the information society. Most interactive video games are designed by and for younger adults from specific cultures and contexts, targeting specific markets. This neglects a vast world wide population with different needs, such as the elderly. They have distinct needs, cognitive abilities and desires that are vastly different from the game design target market. A conceptual framework based on activity theory guided the planning and implementation of a series of game design workshops. Through these workshops it has been possible to observe how a group of seniors learned information and communication technology (ICT) skills through the process of game design. In addition they were able to express themselves in the digital world while their life-experience and creativity captured in their game designs was turned into a digital form under their control