Design Framework for Social Interaction with Location-based Games

Location-based games (LBGs) possess significant potential to foster social cohesion within local neighborhoods, yet developers often lack a cohesive, player-centered methodology to intentionally design for these interactions. To address this, a theoretical framework categorizes game activities into seven distinct archetypes, such as the Explorer, Athlete, and Volunteer. By mapping these specific activity types to either focused or unfocused social exchanges, the framework provides a structured approach for practitioners to move beyond traditional, isolated development models toward a design process that prioritizes meaningful community engagement.

The efficacy of this framework was evaluated through a participatory co-design study involving 64 adolescents in Rotterdam, who generated 56 unique game concepts. While the study revealed that 41.1% of these ideas centered on social interaction, the remaining 58.9% focused on intrapersonal experiences, highlighting the distinction between social and non-social play within the LBG landscape. The framework successfully described the social interactions of the compatible concepts, confirming its utility as an analytical and generative tool for designers seeking to bridge the gap between digital game mechanics and real-world social outcomes.

Supported by an extensive synthesis of 107 references spanning human-computer interaction, serious games, and sociological theories of public space, this research establishes a robust foundation for future development. By providing a clear taxonomy for social interaction, the framework enables designers to intentionally craft play-based experiences that encourage specific forms of communication and cooperation. Ultimately, this approach shifts the focus of location-based gaming toward the intentional cultivation of local social capital, offering a scalable model for integrating digital play into the fabric of urban environments.