Thesis Defence: Designing for Engagement: A Study of User Interfaces and 3D Environments in Beaver World
July 15 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Yuzi Chu, supervised by Dr. Patricia Lasserre, will defend their thesis titled “Designing for Engagement: A Study of User Interfaces and 3D Environments in Beaver World” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies – Digital Arts and Humanities theme.
An abstract for Yuzi Chu’s thesis is included below.
Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Please email patricia.lasserre@ubc.ca to receive the Zoom link for this defence.
Abstract
This thesis explores the design aspects of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) elements in educational games, with a focus on how interactive virtual environments can enhance learning and engagement. By describing the evolving design and development process of Beaver World, a 3D educational game developed in Unity, the research investigate how interface design can support knowledge acquisition about water management and environmental sustainability. The core research question examines how user interface can contribute to the user interaction and learning outcome.
The project integrates narrative elements, survival mechanics, and discovery-based learning to engage middle and high school students. Drawing from game design theory, including player typologies and learning styles, the UI was prototyped using Figma and implemented in Unity. Two rounds of classroom-based playtesting sessions were conducted in collaboration with local high schools. We gathered feedback from interviews and observations to evaluate usability, motivation, and learning outcomes of the game.
Findings from the first prototype led to a major redesign, improving mission structure, visual clarity, and information delivery. The thesis reflects on the iterative design process and highlights essential factors for making intuitive UI in educational games, including accessibility, feedback systems, and player engagement.
