Improving and evaluating a rhythm game for children with sensory processing issues

Abstract

Serious games hold promise as therapeutic tools for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly in the domains of sensory and motor regulation. This thesis investigates how targeted design modifications can improve the efficacy of KenDo, a rhythm-based game originally developed as a digital extension of music therapy. While the initial version appeared to demonstrate potential, user feedback showed issues with unclear feedback mechanisms, inconsistent difficulty scaling, and inadequate tutorial design. To address these limitations, a series of adjustments were implemented, in- cluding refined audiovisual feedback, a restructured tutorial with incremental learning steps, optimization of input responsiveness, the addition of rhythmic backing audio, and a reordering of levels based on formal rhythm complexity measures. The effectiveness of these changes was assessed through an experimen- tal study in which adult participants played both the original and revised versions of the game. Data collection combined quantitative measures of tapping accuracy, analyzed using metrics such as asynchrony, with qualita- tive responses from the miniPXI questionnaire and feature-specific feedback. Results showed that the revised versions enhanced clarity, enjoyment, and perceived competence while improving rhythmic precision and error recovery. Expert interviews further supported the therapeutic suitability of the game’s new design. The findings contribute to the emerging field of rhythm-based digital interventions, demonstrating that deliberate design refinements can improve both user engagement and measurable rhythmic performance. These results support the feasibility of KenDo as a serious game for therapeutic contexts, while suggesting broader implications for rhythm game design and accessi- bility in ASD-focused interventions.