TANGIPLAY: Prototyping Tangible Electronic Games

Candidate: Jason Boileau
Type: Master of Arts (MA), School of Interactive Arts and Technology
Date: November 22, 2010
Senior Supervisor: Ron Wakkary
Thesis: Download Thesis Document

Abstract

Tangible electronic games currently exist in research laboratories around the world but have yet to transition to the commercial sector. The development process of a tangible electronic game is one of the factors preventing progression, as it requires much time and money. Prototyping tools for tangible hardware and software development are becoming more available but are targeted to programmers and technically trained developers. Paper prototyping board and video games is a proven and rapid means of testing game mechanics, and requires minimal technical skill. However, paper prototyping is unable to reproduce the experience of interacting with a physical object. This thesis explores development issues regarding tangible electronic games and then introduces and analyzes an environment for conceptualizing tangible electronic games. Finally, the thesis discussed the outcome of the project and future implications.