Exploring User Opinion on the Benefits of Cognitive Games Through an Online Walkthrough and Interview

Online walkthrough interviews were conducted via internet video-calling, which formed part of wider Patient and Public Involvement activities investigating perceptions of digital and gamified cognitive assessment and training/coaching applications. Participants were invited to play a series of mobile mini-games which have been developed for the purposes of training of executive functions and the assessment of memory, whilst verbalizing their thought processes, using a process based on the Think-Aloud Protocol and Cognitive Walkthrough principles, before concluding with a semi-structured interview. The enquiry was particularly interested in wider motivational aspects surrounding these technologies, including identifying potential barriers to engagement and facilitators of adoption. In general, there was broad acceptance of digital cognitive assessments and training, although issues of data handling and trust were raised by participants. Several usability issues were also captured.