What is ludic about ludic design?

Cedric Mivielle and Annie Gentes

Abstract

This paper focuses on ludic design as part of the paradigm of design research that explores new ways to implement computer systems. In this paper, we want to further explore the specificity of ludic design. First, we introduce Bill Gaver’s definition. Second, we compare his claim to theories of ludicity that were developed in sociology and psychology. We then analyze a portfolio of artifacts to better understand how ludicity is embedded in the designs. Finally, we come up with three additional characteristics of ludic design: unconventionality, serendipity, and reflexivity through breaching experiment. These three dimensions of ludic artifacts also help us better define ludicity as openness that is an activity that is generative of meaning and ultimately new artifacts and practices.