Game Interface Design According to Children's Stage of Spatial Recognition Development

The purpose of this study is to show through an investigative analysis that the appropriateness of commonly used horizontal scroll games intended for children of all ages depends on the developmental stages of spatial recognition. For this, the structural characteristics of the horizontal scrolling and spatial recognition theories were examined. Critical factors were selected through a focus group interview of experts. Three groups of children (aged 4-6, 7-8, and 9-11; 130 children total) were asked to play two games for 20 minutes each. Age differences in spatial recognition during play were analyzed. The results showed that there are stage-dependent recognition differences even after controlling for individual differences in spatial recognition. This finding, consistent with current spatial recognition theories, implies that horizontal scroll games are not necessarily appropriate for children of all ages. Therefore, game interface designs need to consider the spatial recognition stages of children.