Beyond Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Gameful Artefacts for Mild Cognitive Impairment Assessment

This systematic review evaluates the current landscape of gameful artefacts designed for the assessment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The primary objective is to address significant gaps in reporting transparency and design methodology within academic literature. By analyzing how these digital tools are documented, designed, and evaluated, the research identifies a critical need for a more standardized, game-design-centric framework to ensure that findings are reproducible and effectively integrated into clinical practice.

The analysis categorizes existing research into three distinct design paradigms: the use of existing commercial games paired with novel metrics, the application of bespoke games alongside standardized clinical tests, and the development of bespoke games utilizing novel metrics. Findings reveal that while these artefacts show promise as diagnostic tools, there is a pervasive lack of reporting transparency regarding game mechanics, interaction modalities, and audio content. Furthermore, the involvement of older adults in the design and evaluation process remains inconsistent, often failing to leverage participatory design practices that are essential for creating accessible and effective cognitive assessment tools.

The research concludes that the field suffers from fragmented documentation standards, which hinders the ability of researchers to build upon previous work. To advance the development of gameful assessment tools, the study advocates for the adoption of rigorous, evidence-centered design frameworks that align game mechanics with specific cognitive metrics. By prioritizing both clinical validity and user-centered design, future research can better bridge the gap between experimental game design and reliable, scalable cognitive health assessment for older populations.