When Metric Tools and Forms Seem to be Boring, Video Games Collect Cognitive Data

This poster was presented at the Careers and Skills for Data-driven Research townhall launch event on the 18th September 2025

Abstract:

Introduction
People with MCI are at a greater risk of developing dementia. 10-20% of > 65-year-old people with MCI are estimated to develop dementia annually. Current estimates suggest that up to 40% may transition to dementia over time. Cognitive remediation approaches are effective methods in reducing the cognitive decline associated with normal ageing and among people with mild cognitive impairment. People living with MCI need a highly adapted user interface design because of their limitations in memory or attention, which ensures it is engaging and can detect the progress of the user's cognitive ability

Method
15 individuals diagnosed with MCI took part in UX testing of 11 mobile games in the Five Lives Med app & 1:1 sessions of in-depth interviews while asked to use the prototype of the mobile games. 2 were excluded from the study because 1 of them didn’t have MCI and 1 of them was diagnosed with dementia.

Results
11 of 15 users could understand the game tutorials. 96% of tutorials on the game could be understood by the users. 93% of users completed all steps of the cognitive training exercises. 75% of users could play all the mobile games effectively. All participants understood Habit Quest (purpose and how it works, the exercises suggested, & levels of exercise required). All participants can understand the general instructions (information on data safety and physical safety). All participants know how to delete an account, and all participants observed and acknowledged the safety warning that was part of the breathing exercises.

Conclusion
Five Lives Med mobile app provides an acceptable & understandable user experience that allows engagement for people living with MCI. Future studies should focus on a broader range of participants in terms of age and digital proficiency.