Designing for Engagement: Cozy Gaming for Long Term Goals

This research explores the application of cozy gaming principles to virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation for athletes recovering from Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The primary objective is to address the high attrition rates in home exercise programs, which currently see only 30% to 50% completion. By leveraging the low-stress, task-oriented, and rewarding nature of cozy games, the project aims to mitigate common psychological and physiological barriers such as kinesiophobia, boredom, isolation, and unrealistic recovery expectations.

The methodology employs a user-centered design approach, incorporating insights from clinical interviews and existing literature on rehabilitation barriers. The proposed solution features a narrative-driven VR environment where users perform gamified physical exercises—specifically lunges, acceleration drills, and reaction training—to earn resources for improving a virtual home. This system is designed to promote consistent, short-term engagement, or snacking behavior, rather than intensive, infrequent sessions. Initial feedback from a participant who previously underwent ACL reconstruction has been positive regarding the storytelling and engagement potential of the concept.

The research is currently in the prototyping phase, utilizing tools like ShapesXR to develop mid-fidelity models. While the initial results are promising, the study identifies significant challenges, particularly regarding the physical space requirements for certain exercises within a home setting. Future work will focus on refining these mini-games to accommodate typical domestic environments and establishing a comprehensive set of design guidelines for VR-based physical rehabilitation. The ultimate goal is to provide a scalable, engaging, and supportive tool that helps athletes navigate the long-term mental and physical challenges of post-surgical recovery.