Adaptive Modular Playware

In this paper, we describe the concept of adaptive modular playware, where the playware adapts to the interaction of the individual user. We hypothesize that there are individual differences in user interaction capabilities and styles, and that adaptive playware may adapt to the individual user’s capabilities, so that the activity automatically will match the capability of the individual user.

With small test groups, we investigate how different age groups and gender groups physically interact with some specific playware games, and find indications of differences between the groups. Despite the small test set, the results are important as a proof of existence of differences and of the need for adaptation.

The fact that there are individual differences makes the results significant for the development of games and interaction. It indicates that it is necessary to adapt the game and interaction, if we desire to make the most appropriate game and interaction for the individual. Hence, we investigate adaptation as an important issue for playware.

With simple playware games, we show that the adaptation will speed the game up and down to find the appropriate level that matches the reaction speed of the individual player. The appropriate level will change with game/interaction complexity, and adaptation will automatically find the appropriate level for the individual player, even in multi-player games.