Usability Engineering of Games: A Comparative Analysis of Measuring Excitement Using Sensors, Direct Observations and Self-Reported Data

TL;DR

This paper compares physiological sensor data, observer opinions, and self-reports to evaluate excitement in games, analyzing their effectiveness as usability testing tools and providing insights into their relative reliability.

Contribution

It introduces a comparative analysis of physiological, observational, and self-reported measures for game excitement, highlighting the potential of EDA sensors in usability testing.

Findings

EDA sensor data partially supports the hypothesis

Observer opinions and self-reports show differing results

Physiological measures can complement traditional usability assessments

Abstract

Usability engineering and usability testing are concepts that continue to evolve. Interesting research studies and new ideas come up every now and then. This paper tests the hypothesis of using an EDA based physiological measurements as a usability testing tool by considering three measures which are observers opinions, self reported data and EDA based physiological sensor data. These data were analyzed comparatively and statistically. It concludes by discussing the findings that has been obtained from those subjective and objective measures, which partially supports the hypothesis.