UX Researcher | Educator
(VALUE SENSITIVE DESIGN) ANALYSIS OF ARENA OF VALOR
Year: 2020
Role: Solo UX Researcher
Research Method: Value Sensitive Design (VSD)
Research Type: Exploratory UXR
Overview: Conducted value-sensitive design analysis to find out users' behaviors regarding toxic gaming languages and design suggestions
Background
Problem
There are cases that players sued those who insulted them in this game. Sometimes insults in the game were made by primary students, without respect for people nor awareness of possible legal results.
Goal
Explore users' toxic behaviors and their value of ‘respect’ in the video game play practices and the game design
Method
I chose to use the framework based on Batya Friedman's Value Sensitive Design (VSD), an approach to account for the human values perspective 'respect' in the technologies or media related to children and young adults.
I explored the stakeholders, value propositions, pervasiveness and temporality of Arena of Valor.
Findings
Among cross-generational players of 'Arena of Valor', the plasticity of teenagers and children makes them vulnerable in this hostile gaming culture. Parents and related professions who are aware of the impact of toxic gaming behaviors also take proactive actions to educate children, young adults, and the general public through game-integrating education and relevant law consultation.
Various players hold different attitudes towards respect and considerations for people. Conflicts and collapsed contexts occur if players interpret others’ behaviors and express themselves only based on their own context and perspectives.
I suggest constructing a more effective reporting system to prevent hostile behaviors and toxic languages. I also suggest initiating collaborative activities that promote a more friendly gaming environment. Overall, designers should keep examining problematic situations. According to players’ reactions to the changes, designers can continuously refine the features. The dynamic and iterative process shows the intertwined relationship between value and design.
Impact
Contribute to design teams about the in-game toxic behaviors of children and young adults
Give strategy teams ideas of how other stakeholders (i.e. educators and parents) try to mitigate these problems