Event Title

PD25 - Prosthetic Limb Training Game Demo

Presenter Information

Matt Dombrowski, University of Central Florida
Emily Johnson, University of Central Florida
Peter Smith, University of Central Florida
Ryan Buyssens, University of Central Florida

Location

VAB-213B

Streaming Media

Start Date

4-11-2017 3:30 PM

Description

Themes of the digital humanities can be explored through countless other disciplines. The interdisciplinary project we propose to demo at HASTAC 2017 is a suite of training games designed to teach children how to use prosthetic limbs while also conditioning the muscles as required for adept manipulation of these new limbs. Our interdisciplinary research team, hailing from the fields of Visual Arts, Digital Media, Psychology, and Engineering, is using a custom physical interface combined with game development software to build games that train children to use prosthetic limbs prior to receiving them. These games utilize electromyography (EMG) data to create an alternative interactive game experience that will exercise players' muscles while simulating the actual function of their prosthetics. This project demo showcases a suite of games that can be played with an electromyography (EMG) sensing controller. These award-winning prototypes are being further developed and studied with the ultimate goal of creating a prosthetic arm training program for children scheduled to receive prosthetic limbs from the UCF-affiliated nonprofit Limbitless Solutions. We envision mailing an EMG controller and game pack to children slated to receive prosthetics from Limbitless that will enable them to gain the skills and strength required to adeptly operate these innovative limbs as soon as they receive them. We also hope the games are enjoyable enough to encourage continued gameplay long after proficiency in operation has been reached with the new prosthetics. Our research team has already developed a working proof of concept. Studies on each game utilizing pre- and post-test structures with the addition of informal observation and semistructured interviews with participants before and after gameplay are scheduled to begin in August. Preliminary data will be shared as part of the project demo at the conference in November. We are eager to discuss the interdisciplinary goals of this project with those in the digital humanities. The diverse and critical perspectives of potential HASTAC attendees will prove valuable insight about the games and possible biases and implications of various design choices within these virtual worlds. We will provide the required technology for the game demo (laptop and EMG controller). We would just need access to a power outlet, some tabletop space, and a chair for participants playing the demo. We anticipate that conference attendees would have an average playing time of just a few minutes, with perhaps five minutes more to explain the games, their purpose, and answer any questions.