NSF Awards: 1109270
This NSF-funded project developed a novel tangible game interface, called SIG-Blocks. SIG-Blocks are interactive creation blocks equipped with motion sensors and wireless communication module for a broad range of clinical, educational, and research applications. The computerized games utilizing the SIG-Blocks as game control are called TAG-Games. Several types of TAG-Games were developed for cognitive assessment and tested on children (age: 4-8) and adults (age: 18-30). We are currently testing the developed technology on individuals with mild traumatic brain injuries for automated cognitive assessment and rehabilitation.
Amy Busey
Research Associate
Very cool! Interesting to think about the range of games that you could develop for different purposes. Will the technology and TAPware game design software eventually be accessible to others who would like to design their own?
Kiju Lee
Assistant Professor
Thanks, Amy! Yes, our goal is to make the design software as well as a variety of TAG-Games that can be used for cognitive assessment and training available to public or registered clinicians, educators, or researchers so that they can design their own games.
Michelle Perry
Researcher
I agree, this is very cool! The video mentions several applications for both children and adults in various settings. Seems like there is potential for broad use, but was this initially created with one specific group in mind? Do you see this being more beneficial or practical for a specific situation?
Kiju Lee
Assistant Professor
Thanks! This technology was developed initially for children, in particular for those with developmental disabilities where traditional approaches alone may yield some limitations. The dynamic nature of the hardware and flexibility in the software game design allows the SIG-Blocks for other applications, such as cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and STEM learning.
Gregory Moore
Very interesting tech! Have you considered other uses for the SIG-Blocks outside of assessment? For example, have you thought about ways to use these as teaching tools?
Kiju Lee
Assistant Professor
Thanks for your note! Yes, we are also interested in using this technology for interactive STEM learning. In particular, my group is currently developing games that uses these blocks as musical instruments to teach how to generate melody by manipulating the blocks in various ways. Please let me know if you have other comments or questions!
Further posting is closed as the showcase has ended.