4 principles for the design of game interfaces

The latest issue of User Experience Magazine features a gem of an article for those looking for a very brief intro into basic heuristics for game design.  "Designing Game-Based Tools for Youth" By Sarah Chu and Constance Steinkuehler reveals findings from their research into the UX of the massively popular and massively multiplayer game, World of War Craft.   Their conclusions...

Online games for behavioural intervention

Jennifer Wilson, Director of The Project Factory gave a riveting presentation about the use of games for learning, behavioural intervention, and health at the University of Sydney last week.  Melinda Lewis kindly published the juicy menu of interactive examples that Wilson cited during her speech.

For example, Luminosity is a popular game-based brain trainer that promises to improve your memory and ability to learn (or as you might call it, an adventure in neuroplasticity).  You can also learn how to lower your own blood pressure with Deepak Chopra's meditation and physiological feedback system via WildDivine.  Check out the full list for an exploration into the state of the art in this blossoming area of e-health.

Study HCI at Stanford - free and online

Would you believe me if I said you could study HCI at Stanford this semester?
For free?
From home.
No really.

http://www.hci-class.org/

I'll be there - sitting up in front.

Oh, and there's also the Open Classroom Material from last year.

Thanks, Stan.

2011 bests

by nejron 

You don't need to tell anyone who works in learning the value of reflection, and the coming of a new year is the best possible excuse to start looking back.  And who can resist the superlative? Best lists are simply the bestest fun.

There's so much to learn from the ground breakers, game changers, success and failures in design, from incredible new approaches to user interfaces to wildly innovative infographis - it's all fodder for inspiration to launch us boldly into a fresh new year.

Best User Interfaces of 2011

Best Infographics of 2011

Best 2011 websites for Teaching and Learning

Best online learning games of 2011



Top 5 articles on this blog in 2011...
Mayer's Principles for the design of Multimedia Learning
7 ideas for designing your own Prezi template
HTML 5 for learning interfaces
When to use animations for learning
Learning in Virtual Worlds - 10 year review

Francotoile - language learning with video

FrancoToile is a showcase in presentation simplicity. It's a resource for French language learners, created  in Canada that leverages what web video has to offer to expose learners to the various sounds, dialects and slang of native French speakers from diverse communities across the globe.