Level 3 Team Project - Source Analysis (Related Studies)

As part of the teams ongoing research, I've written a short two page document on Katherine Isbister and Clifford Nass' 'Consistency of Personality in Interesting Characters' study.

"The study ‘Consistency of Personality in Interactive Characters’ performed by Katherine Isbister and Clifford Nass examines how people respond to four different on-screen characters, one introvert with matched dialogue, another introvert with extrovert dialogue and vice-versa."

"Ultimately, Isbister and Nass predicted that those who interacted with one of the on-screen figures that possessed a matching posture and personality would be the most likely candidates to be influenced by that character, leading them to change their answers. By doing this, Isbister and Nass prove that the more consistent a character is, the more believable they appear to the player. In addition to this, it’s also hypothesized that out of all the versions of the character, the extrovert with consistent responses would influence almost all candidates under it to change their answers. This would prove that, as this figure has both charismatic poses and interesting responses, it would be the most engaging character out of the four." 

I feel that this source is one of the most important encountered during our research so far. Due to this, not only has this analysis been written, but also all team members have been asked to at least skim-read the fifteen page report alongside the two page document.

To download the full two page .pdf version of the source analysis, click here.

Level 3 Team Project - Week 11

This week the team spent time going over our plans for the project testing, refining our ideas and coming up with a solid testing strategy. We decided to go with three methods of collecting test data; observation, video logging and questionnaires. We spent time discussing how each of the three methods would be recorded, paying special attention to what methods we could use to gather the desired metrics via video logging.

We also spent time planning out our test environment and back story, giving a basic premise that will both leave lots of room for interaction and connections between the subject and the NPC, while also being emotionally engaging in itself.

During the week, I spent my time contributing to group discussing and starting work on our Milestone 1 Presentation layout. Hopefully the Presentation will be near finished for the dry run on Tuesday.

To view the Team Fable project blog, click here.

To view all of the Team Project diary entries, click here.

Level 3 Team Project - Easter (Weeks 8 - 10)

During the Easter break, I was set a couple of tasks to complete ready for the first week back. The team plans to have a meet up either on the 19th of April, discussing all work completed over the short holiday and how we can use this work to help refine our test.

I wrote up a two page document discussing ideas for our test, along with a breakdown of each of the three points talking about both the pros and cons of that particular 'feature.' Hopefully, this document will help aid the discussions made in the team meeting on the 19th, with all members presenting their own ideas alongside the ones I have written. The document can be found here.

Other work completed during Easter consisted of updating the GANTT chart so that it now covers the Easter period and also performing brief research into tests similar to that of ours.

Level 3 Team Project - Test Ideas and Breakdown

As part of our Level 3 Team Project Easter work, I've completed a short two page document discussing several ideas we could consider when producing our test artefact. 

The document breaks down three mechanics; Interactive Dialogue, Weapon Exclusivity and an In-game Feedback system- providing an explanation of each, all stating how the mechanic would be used, why and what outcomes it would create.

To download the full two page .pdf version of the document, click here.