Influence of playability and usability in a mobile human computation game

Abstract

Human Computation Games (HCGs) are applications that harness human intelligence to generate content using the element of fun. Originating in the Web environment, HCGs have now appeared on mobile devices with the advent of global positioning systems, wireless Internet access and multimedia capabilities. In this research, we study usability and playability factors that influence a mobile HCG, known as Glob, by comparing it with the non-game based mobile content sharing application known as Geo Topic. The applications were evaluated based on satisfaction, ease of use and usefulness aspects of usability, as well as the leisure, social interaction and challenge aspects of playability. Results suggested that Glob scored significantly better in terms of playability for leisure and social interaction. Further, Geo Topic scored significantly better in terms of the ease of use aspect of usability.