MeteorQuest serves as a strategic framework for leveraging location-based mobile gaming to cultivate intergenerational family bonding. By shifting the focus from isolated screen time to shared physical environments, the project addresses the challenge of digital fragmentation within households. The core thesis posits that by integrating proxemics and F-formation theory into game mechanics, developers can transform private mobile devices into collaborative tools that necessitate physical closeness and mutual cooperation.
The research identifies that unequal information distribution and forced spatial constraints are critical drivers of social engagement. Field studies involving multi-generational family units demonstrate that when gameplay requires participants to transition from expansive to intimate spatial formations, communication levels and group cohesion increase significantly. By designing ambiguous, cooperative tasks that demand real-world interaction, the system successfully encourages families to navigate physical spaces together, effectively challenging the cultural norms of solitary mobile device usage.
This analysis draws upon a multidisciplinary foundation of human-computer interaction and social behavior studies to provide a scalable design model for future social gaming. The findings confirm that mobile technology, when intentionally designed to prioritize proxemic play, can serve as a catalyst for positive social interaction rather than a barrier. Ultimately, the project establishes that the strategic application of physical proximity and collaborative mechanics provides a viable pathway for enhancing family connectedness through digital play, offering a blueprint for developers aiming to foster meaningful, shared experiences in location-based mobile environments.
