Evaluating the Usability of a Serious Game for Nutritional Education with Children with ADHD

Research reports a relationship between impulsive behaviors and unhealthy eating behaviors. Serious games, combining educational contents with gamification, can increase engagement in therapeutic activities and behavioral training programs. In this context, we have developed a Serious Game to promote healthy eating style in children and adolescents in which impulsivity is a predominant feature, specifically individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. An initial analysis of the usability of the Serious Game was performed on a sample of 12 participants by means of quantitative and qualitative measures. Participants' feedback, which was overall positive, was helpful for defining the required improvements. Once implemented, the serious game will be then proposed to children and their families and included in home-based educational interventions.