Our project was to improve the existing web-based games used for people with obesity, in collaboration with Dr. Lee, the Department of Kinesiology, and five local hospitals. In the current version, the games are very limited: they use the same static image across games, nothing visually changes, and users simply receive points, such as “+10” for each move. Because there are no real scenarios, meaningful choices, changing visuals, or deeper feedback, the experience feels neither engaging nor connected to real life.
Our idea is to upgrade the games into interactive, role-play style web games where users are placed in everyday life situations and choose healthy responses. The goal is not to force instant change, but to encourage small, achievable actions that can build habits and confidence over time. Our design philosophy is body-neutral, low-pressure, judgment-free, and positive: users are not punished or given bad-choice options, but instead choose between good and better actions.
The system is built as a web application using a frontend tech stack of React, Vite, and Tailwind CSS, with reusable components and shared templates that keep the games visually consistent while still feeling unique. The main game structure in Demo 2 includes five categories: Leisure, Work, Lake/Outdoor activities, Swimming, and Transportation, with the broader final grouping including Leisure, Transport, Work, Domestic, and Mindfulness. Each scenario presents users with simple choices, which affect feedback categories such as confidence, mood, health, and energy.