The Aesthetics in Gamification Design

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study the use of games to learn the aesthetics of Thai tourism by using the Inner Rattanakosin Island as a case study. This focuses on the religious tourist attractions relating to belief, faith and Thai ideals that consist of Wat Phra Kaew, The Reclining Buddha Temple, Wat Arun, Bangkok City Pillar Shrine, wat ratchabophit temple, Sao Ching Cha, and Golden Mount by using Yu-kai Chou – Gamification Framework as the basic concept for studying, including 1. Define the target personas 2. Create Measurable Business Targets 3. Business Ecosystem 4. Define the Game Mechanics 5. Interactive Personal 6. User Interface & User Experience The methodologies of this research comprise of 2 methods. Firstly, the qualitative research method was triggered form the analysis of the Yu-Kai’s framework which brought about the questionnaires for an In depth Interview. The next step was to find out the results by using the quantitative research method. The Likert Scale 5 based on the sample size calculated with the simplified formula for proportions of Yamane and the number of the tourists per proportional area were applied in order to conclude the satisfaction of using game for tourism. The results of the study on the framework of Yu-Kai’s game mechanics are presented in several aspects including; 1. Define the target personas aspect: Games for learning the tourist aesthetics can be applied to the creative media for foreigners to play (enjoyable and pleasant), learn and absorb Thai culture and traditions. 2. Create Measurable Business Targets aspect: The tourists will understand more about rules and Thai custom, and that will make them interested in different cultures and want to visit Thailand. 3. Business Ecosystem aspect: The game can be the channel for accommodation and food service industries to participate and start up their business on virtual map in the game. 4. Define the Game Mechanics aspect: This game has 3 major levels of playing system, 1) Imitating oneself and being able to dress suitably for Thai traditions 2) Being able to select the virtual tourist attractions from a map and being able to chat with other players in the virtual world. In addition, there are some Thai rules and regulations for making scores 3) Connecting to business models of hotels and restaurants on the map which allow the players to convert the scores to be a discount. 5. Interactive Personal aspect: In the virtual world of the game, the players can connect with other people via chatting on Facebook.