UBI Journey: A Tool Against University Student Social Isolation
摘要
This article explores the development and potential impact of UBIJourney, a mobile game designed to enhance student socialization and exploration within the University of Beira Interior (UBI) campus environment. Drawing upon principles of gamification and leveraging techniques from successful digital games, UBI Journey aims to address common challenges faced by university students, such as integration into the academic community and navigating unfamiliar campus spaces. The game's development process involved prototyping and initial testing to assess feasibility and user engagement. Results from laboratory tests showed promising levels of user engagement, paving the way for future large-scale testing with students across multiple campus locations. Through the application of gamification mechanics and techniques, UBI Journey represents a step towards promoting socialization, exploration, and community building within the university setting. The article discusses how UBI Journey aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, and 11 by fostering student well-being, enhancing educational experiences, and promoting sustainable communities within the university environment. The project contributes to the development of a model for future evaluation of software impact on users, highlighting its potential as a tool for improving student integration and academic success in higher education institutions.