Digital Wellbeing for Desktop
Yuvi Sra
Web Designer
UX Researcher
UX Designer
Adobe Illustrator
Figma
Google Docs
Gaming Addiction.
A step towards tackling toxicity in online gaming.
Gaming addiction has become a serious problem in the digital age. With the rise of immersive and interactive video games, many people have developed excessive and compulsive gaming habits that have negative consequences on their lives. These consequences can include mental health problems, relationship issues, and poor academic or work performance.
Gaming addiction is a complex problem with no easy solutions. However, there are effective treatments available that can help people overcome their addiction and reclaim their lives. These treatments can include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
This case study aims to explore the complex phenomenon of gaming addiction, examining its causes, manifestations, and potential solutions.
Objective
Brief
"Helping people who are addicted to games or screens. Focusing on the desktop and console side of the user base." — was a short yet direct brief that gave me a clear direction to take. My goal was to deepen my understanding of the nuances of gaming addiction and all the phenomena involved. By doing so, I hoped to build an effective solution by the end of the project.
Goal
The goal of this project was to gain a deep understanding of gaming and the nature of addiction. Which could then help us create a resource or solution that would help people who are struggling with gaming or screen addiction.
By addressing this issue, we hope to contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding gaming addiction and provide insights that can guide individuals, families, and society at large in mitigating its detrimental effects. It is crucial to recognize the significance of gaming addiction and work towards fostering a healthier relationship with video games, ensuring the well-being and balance of individuals immersed in this digital world.
Solution
Digital Wellbeing is a popular feature on smartphones that helps users track their screen time and set limits on their app usage. However, there is no equivalent feature for desktops. This is a problem, especially with the rise of the gaming industry and the increasing popularity of high-investment AAA games. These games can be incredibly addictive, and it can be easy to lose track of time when you're playing them.
To address this problem, I designed a Digital Wellbeing app for desktops. This app allows users to track their screen time, set limits on their app usage, and provide different solutions to their addictive behaviour.
Lets go through the entire process:
How Did we get here?
The main goal was to achieve a deeper understanding of gaming addiction. I did this by conducting primary and secondary research. Primary research involved interviewing people who had experienced gaming addiction, while secondary research involved reading articles and studies on the topic. I also looked into organizations like Healthygamer, which deal with the balance between mental health and gaming.
This research helped me to broaden my perspective and gain a deeper understanding of the problem. I then ideated some possible solutions and built a solution that I believe can help people who are struggling with gaming addiction. Digital Wellbeing for desktop… sort of.
Let's start with the first question.
Why is gaming addiction a problem?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized "gaming disorder" as a mental health condition in its 2018 edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). In contrast, the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not list gaming disorder as a mental health condition.
The gaming industry has been growing rapidly since the 1970s, when arcade games first became popular. From arcade games to consoles and computers, the gaming industry is booming and there is no sign of people slowing down their gaming habits. While gaming can be enjoyable, some people are concerned that we are spending too much time playing games.
The answer to the question "Are we playing too many games?" depends on your individual circumstances. If you are able to manage your gaming habits and still maintain a healthy lifestyle, then there is no need to worry. However, if you find that gaming is interfering with your work, school, relationships, or other important areas of your life, then it may be time to cut back.
It is understandable that game companies want to keep players engaged with their games. After all, the more people who play their games, the more money they make. However, it is important to remember that entertainment should not come at the expense of a person's health. While players ultimately have the choice of how much time they want to spend playing games, some —
Companies may make it difficult for players to disengage from their games by making them more addictive.
If this is the case, then it is fair to ask whether these companies are to blame for any negative consequences that may result from excessive gaming. After all, it is ultimately the responsibility of game companies to look out for the well-being of their consumers.
8-bit games like Contra and Mario from the early 1990s were designed to be fun. People had a great time playing games like Counter-Strike and World of Warcraft in the 2000s, but there was little talk of people becoming addicted to them in an unhealthy way. Rather people set up gaming nights where friends or family came together to play.
So, what has made gaming so addictive over time? Is it the increased accessibility, the immersive-ness of games, or is the issue more broad, such as loneliness caused by the internet?
Is gaming addiction a thing?
“Video games are addictive because they satisfy different psychological needs. When someone has a psychological need “only” filled by the video game, it leads to addiction. When people are able to satisfy that need in a different way, the “addictive quality” of the game goes down. For example, games give gamers a sense of accomplishment by the measured denial of a reward, i.e, games are hard to win, and since they're hard, they are more satisfying. If you build a life where you gain a sense of accomplishment through things besides gaming, you can game in a healthy way.”
~ Dr.Alok Kanojia (Harvard psychologist. Expert in gaming-related problems. On a reddit AMA)
Possible Causes
Here are some possible reasons why gaming has become more addictive over the years:
Increased accessibility: Games are now more accessible than ever before, thanks to the internet and smartphones. People can play games anytime, anywhere, and for as long as they want.
Immersive-ness: Games are becoming more and more immersive, with realistic graphics and storylines that draw players in. This can make it difficult for people to stop playing, even when they know they should.
Loneliness: The internet can be a lonely place, and gaming can provide a sense of community and belonging. This can be especially appealing to people who are feeling isolated or alone.
It is important to note that not everyone who plays video games becomes addicted. However, if you are concerned about your gaming habits, it is important to talk to a therapist or counsellor.
Primary Research
I conducted informal interviews with a few participants from Discord and online communities like Reddit who fit my demographic. I wanted to get a sense of what games they play and why. After these initial interviews, I used the insights I gained to create a questionnaire that covers most bases. I published this questionnaire on various public forums as a survey.
Since some interviewees might be defensive about the topic of the interview, I asked informal questions from time to time to make them more comfortable. This helped to create a more relaxed atmosphere and encouraged them to open up.
Target Demographic
People between the ages of 14 and 24 are the core gaming demographic. They have a lot of free time and are more likely to play video games than people in other age groups. Businesses often target this age group with their advertising because they are more likely to spend money on games and gaming products.
Interview selection
I approached gamers on Discord and Reddit to conduct informal interviews about gaming. The interviews were more like conversations, where I would ask follow-up questions to get more information.
I started by asking the following questions:
What games do you play?
How long do you typically play for?
What annoys you most about your favorite game?
Do you have trouble shifting away from a gaming spree?
I also asked other contextual questions depending on the gamer's responses. For example, if they mentioned that they played a lot of multiplayer games, I would ask them about their experiences with online gaming. Or, if they said that they enjoyed playing games with friends, I would ask them about how gaming has helped them maintain their friendships.
Interview Insights
What did we learn from these interviews?
Different types of games have different attractions, and people may be addicted to different aspects of them. However, all games have one thing in common: they provide dopamine hits in short intervals for a long period of time.
Here are 3 Main Divisions :
Gacha
Gacha games are a type of gambling system where players can spend in-game currency to obtain random items, such as weapons and characters. These games typically offer a small amount of currency for free, but players can purchase more currency with real money.
To entice players to spend more money, gacha games often introduce a guaranteed item mechanic. This means that after a certain number of in-game rolls, players are guaranteed to receive a specific item.
For example, Genshin Impact guarantees a legendary character within every 90 rolls.
This guaranteed item mechanic can be very effective at encouraging players to spend money. For example, a player who is close to reaching the guaranteed item limit may be more likely to make a purchase in order to ensure that they receive the item they want.
In addition to guaranteed item mechanics, gacha games often introduce limited-time characters or items. This creates a sense of urgency, as players know that they may not have another chance to obtain these items if they don't spend money now..
Exploration Games
Open-world games with large maps offer players a sense of freedom and exploration. They can wander around at their own pace, discover hidden items and locations, and interact with the game world in a variety of ways.
These games often reward players for their discoveries with new items, abilities, or story content. However, the excitement of exploration can be slow-paced and depends on the player's taste and the game's lore.
While open-world games can be time-consuming and grindy, they can also be incredibly rewarding. The sense of accomplishment that comes from finding a hidden treasure or completing a challenging quest can be very satisfying
Competitive Games
Games like CSGO and Valorant are competitive multiplayer games that require players to have a high level of skill and knowledge in order to win matches. This can lead to unhealthy amounts of playtime for players who are motivated to improve their skills and rank.
The motivation for players is to be better than other players, climb the ranks, and show off to their friends.
Winning a match can be an exhilarating experience that gives players a sense of superiority. On the other hand, losing a match can be frustrating and make players want to play more in order to improve.
These games can be very addictive, as players are constantly striving to improve their skills and compete with others.
Affinity Mapping
Affinity mapping is a technique used to identify and group related concepts or ideas. It can be used to help understand the underlying themes in a case study or to identify potential areas for intervention. Using all the information from Interviews and Surveys, it provided a more comprehensive understanding of our topic.
User Scenarios
I created a user scenario map that outlines the 3 most common methods for countering gaming addiction. By understanding each step in the journey, we can identify the best point to intervene and help the individual overcome their addiction.
Secondary Research
Video games are addictive because they stimulate the pleasure centers of our brains and release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good. They also engage the "Triumph Circuit" in our brains, which is associated with feelings of achievement and satisfaction. Additionally, video games can suppress negative emotions, making them a way to cope with stress and anxiety.
According to a national survey in Japan, 0.7% to 27.5% of respondents exhibited signs of internet gaming disorder (IGD). Another study in Norway found that 1% of gamers could be classified as addicted gamers, while 7.3% were problem gamers. And a study in the US, UK, Canada, and Germany found that 0.3% to 1% of the general population met the criteria for an IGD diagnosis.
There can be other IRL problems that could make people use gaming as an escape from their troubles.
User POV
Some of these problems are:
Bullying: Being bullied at school can make someone feel isolated and alone. Video games can provide a sense of escape and belonging.
Lack of challenge: If someone is not being challenged at school, they may turn to video games for stimulation. Video games can provide a sense of accomplishment and mastery.
Low self-esteem: People with low self-esteem may use video games to avoid dealing with their problems in the real world. Video games can provide a temporary boost to self-esteem.
Abusive household: People who live in abusive households may use video games as a way to escape their reality. Video games can provide a safe and controlled environment.
Lack of guidance: If someone does not have guidance on how to cope with negative emotions, they may turn to video games as a way to numb their feelings. Video games can provide a distraction from pain and stress.
Special needs: People with special needs may use video games as a way to socialize and connect with others. Video games can provide a sense of community and belonging.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure and reward. When we experience something pleasurable, dopamine is released in the brain. This can lead to a craving for more of the pleasurable experience.
Suggested Solutions
Quitting gaming instantly. This is the most difficult way to stop gaming, but it can be the most effective.
Slowly reducing the amount of time you spend gaming. This is a more gradual approach, but it can be easier to stick to.
Finding a competing interest that pulls you away from video games. This could be anything from a new hobby to spending more time with friends and family.
How to Quit Video Games?
Quit Cold Turkey
To overcome video game addiction, you can stop gaming altogether. However, this is the least effective strategy because of the way gaming affects our brains. A more effective strategy is to do a dopamine detox. This involves depriving yourself of activities that are too stimulating and addictive. Before starting the detox, try to find other activities to do, such as picking up a skill, learning a new instrument, playing a sport, or exercising. You can also spend more time in nature by going for a hike or a run.
Here are some additional tips for overcoming video game addiction:
Set realistic goals. Don't try to quit gaming altogether overnight. Start by setting small goals, such as limiting your gaming time to one hour per day.
Find other activities that you enjoy. This will help you to fill the void left by gaming.
Talk to someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or counselor. Talking about your addiction can help you to feel less alone and more motivated to overcome it.
Seek professional help if needed. If you are struggling to overcome your addiction on your own, there are many resources available to help you.
Slowly Reducing the Time You Spend Gaming
It is understandable if you feel like you cannot quit gaming all at once. Many people use gaming as a way to cope with negative emotions, find a sense of community, and de-stress.
It is easier to reduce the time spent gaming than to try to quit gaming in one go.
Find an Alternative Interest
In addiction psychiatry, it is not sufficient to simply stop using the substance in question. The urges will be too strong, and the likelihood of relapse is too high. One of the most effective ways to get someone to quit a substance is to help them develop a competing interest.
Quitting gaming will not solve all of your problems. However, you are more likely to have a healthy relationship with video games if you understand why you play them. If you know what needs video games are meeting for you, you can find other ways to meet those needs.
Why do people fail?
Video games can increase your tolerance to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates pleasure. This means that you may need to play for longer and longer periods of time to get the same level of enjoyment. Over time, other activities may not seem as stimulating or rewarding.
Video games can also be challenging and rewarding, which can make them addictive. They can trigger the brain's "triumph circuit," which is associated with feelings of achievement. This can lead to people gravitating towards video games instead of pursuing real-world goals.
Additionally, video games can suppress negative emotions. Studies have shown that playing video games can calm the amygdala, the part of the brain that governs negative emotion. This can make video games a tempting coping mechanism for people who are struggling with difficult emotions. However, if they stop playing video games suddenly, these suppressed emotions may bubble up. As they may not have other healthy coping mechanisms, they may return to video games to manage their emotions.
The most effective way to take back control of your gaming habit and your life is to develop a competing interest.
This could be anything that you enjoy and that is not too stimulating or rewarding.
Importance of Self Awareness
Gaming addiction is a behavioral addiction, not a substance abuse disorder. However, it can still have a severe impact on the brain, especially the dopamine centers. Substance abuse is physiologic as opposed to exclusively psychologic dependence.
Relapse rate in most addiction centers, be it for substance abuse or a psychiatric center, is very high. This is because people who are addicted often have difficulty accepting their addiction and understanding the negative impact it is having on their lives. They may also feel isolated and misunderstood by the people around them, which can make it even more difficult to resist the urge to relapse.
It is important to remember that self-awareness is very important. Accepting your own addiction is the first step towards recovery. When you are aware of your addiction, you can start to make changes in your life to break the cycle. Seeing the impact of your actions can be a good reminder of your current state
Note: It is important to note, any intervention made through software has limitations. Thus, one of the biggest challenges is striking a balance between helping someone be self-aware v/s blaming them.
Solution Ideation
Now that we have a good understanding of gaming addiction and the importance of self-awareness, we can start to explore possible solutions.
After brainstorming potential solutions to gaming addiction, I asked five potential users to vote on their favorite ideas. I then took the most voted ideas and combined them with my own understanding of the problem to create a list of possible features for an app.
One potential solution is to create an app that tracks users' time spent on games and other tasks. This would allow users to see how much time they are actually spending gaming, and identify any patterns in their gaming behavior. The app could also provide users with tips and strategies for reducing their gaming time.
Then if the person is addicted, depending on the severity of the addiction, the app can show consequences or missed opportunities caused by the excessive playtime through a therapy session-ish graphic. (This helps in self-awareness)
It is important to note that an app like this is not a cure for gaming addiction. However, it can be a helpful tool for people who are struggling with addiction. The app can help users track their gaming habits, set goals, and connect with others who understand what they are going through.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
Now that we have a good understanding of gaming addiction and the importance of self-awareness, we can start to explore possible solutions.
Feature Exploration
Detecting levels of addiction:
We can detect the level of gaming addiction by collecting data on how long users play games. For example, if a person plays for long periods of time only on weekends, this may be considered an acceptable weekend binge. However, if a person plays at odd hours but still stays within the limits, this may simply mean that they play when they are free. On the other hand, if someone plays consistently for long hours, they are likely addicted.
We can use color coding to indicate the level of addiction. For example, we can use red-orange colors to represent severe addiction and green to represent a healthy balance. This color coding can be used throughout the user interface to help re-iterate the severity. Below, is an example if a person is in the healthy range, the accent color changes to green.
Therapy-ish session:
After determining the level of addiction, we can bring it to the users attention and ask them if they want to know how to deal with this. The experience needs to be about gaining self awareness and not just blaming them. Initially starting of by giving some stats about their sessions so far with some supportive comments and slowly teaching them about things like dopamine detox and other possible solutions.
Voluntary blocking games:
The app could help users develop better gaming habits by blocking games during off-hours. This could be done with the user's permission, and it would be based on the game time determined during the therapy-like session.
There are two ways that the app could block games. One way would be to block games directly from the game publishers or clients, such as Steam or Epic. However, this would require permission from each publisher or client, which could be difficult to obtain.
Another way to block games would be to block the graphics card. This would prevent games from running altogether, and it would only require permission from the user as an administrator.
Whichever method is used, the app would need to be able to determine when the user is in off-hours. This could be done by using the user's calendar or by tracking their app usage.
Improving gaming habits-
The software could analyze previous gaming habits and suggest changes and activities to do before and after playing games. This could help users to gradually reduce their playtime.
For example, if a user typically plays games at 7 pm, the app could suggest that they clean their room before starting to play. This activity would take about 10 minutes, and it would help the user to transition from other activities to gaming.
Near the end of a gaming session, the app could notify the user if they are approaching their daily limit. The app could also suggest that the user do other small tasks after finishing their gaming session, such as taking a break, going for a walk, or spending time with family or friends.
These small changes could help users to gradually reduce their gaming time and improve their overall well-being.
Gaming - Physical equilibrium
Physical activities are both engaging and tiring. However, long gaming sessions can make people too lazy to engage in physical activities, such as walking in the park or general fitness. Therefore, one feature of the app could be a combination of "voluntary blocking" and a to-do list, where users would have to complete a certain amount of physical activity each day to unlock their games. The ratio could be 1:3, for example, walking for at least 1 hour to unlock 3 hours of playtime. Of course, this would vary depending on the situation and the user's needs. The completion of the task could be verified by syncing the app with a Fitbit or other fitness gadget.
