Mapping Controls on a 2D User Drawn Racetracks Driving Game - An Usability Assessment

Abstract

In this paper, we present the results from an experiment designed to evaluate the user experience of five different control schemes (buttons, steering wheel, joystick, joystick+button and accelerometer-based tilting) in a 2D top-down racing mobile game designed specifically for children. The experiment was conducted with 24 children from ages 6 to 14, both male and female, and with different levels of experience with mobile devices and mobile gaming. We present the results from our observations from the participants’ interaction with the game as well as the results from a questionnaire and interview. Results indicate that the joystick controller provides a better experience than the proposed alternatives to inexperienced players. Author