Gamifying Navigation in Location-Based Applications

Location-based games entertain players usually by interactions at points of interest (POIs). Navigation between POIs often involve the use of either a physical or digital map, not taking advantage of the opportunity available to engage users in activities between POIs. The paper presents riddle solving as a navigational method for a location-based game. 10 families with 2-6 persons and at least one child in the age range 911 years old participated in the evaluation. Results show that riddle solving as a navigational method is more enjoyable than a 2D digital map. Additional findings from video recordings, field notes, questionnaires, logging and semi-structured interviews revealed that riddle solving has potential for engaging users in learning activities. Received on 22 November 2016; accepted on 06 October 2017; published on 08 November 2017