Video games as inspiration for scientific software

This paper presents a study on challenges and opportunities for the gamification of scientific software, with the purpose of investigating methods for the transposition of design elements from games into that particular type of software. This investigation was based on action-research methodology, reflecting on the collaboration between participants in addressing practical issues, as well as inferring theoretical insight from that experience. Based on deliberations about low and high-fidelity prototypes, the research suggests that design elements from games could improve usability and insight, if adapted to scientific software specific needs and, more importantly, adequate to its development environment. We propose that video game design elements have the potential to improve scientific software, as long as implementation is feasible – in which case we recommend a conservative mindset during design stages, informed by a clear understanding of system.