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Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio
The Impact of Card Games on Enhancing Financial Education and Daily Life Skills for Older Adults
Promoting Water Culture Through Augmented Reality and Gamified Experiences
2024
,
Marcos Chacón-Castro
,
Jenny Rengifo
,
Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio
,
Jadán Guerrero, Janio
Life expectancy is steadily increasing, and by the year 2030 it is estimated that one in six people in the world will be over 60 years of age. However, this aging population brings with it mental health challenges, with an alarming 20% of older adults facing mental disorders, with depression being the most prevalent. The purpose of this research article is to implement a gamified tool using pictograms to teach financial education to older adults. The methodology employed encompasses a literature review, the design of the gamified tool and the implementation of a pilot test with 11 older adults. According to the results obtained, they reveal that the game designed with pictograms is highly effective in the acquisition of financial knowledge and skills by older adults, thus concluding that gamification and the use of pictograms stand as valuable approaches for active and meaningful teaching, adapting effectively to different demographic groups.
2025
,
Jadán Guerrero, Janio
,
Arias Flores, Hugo Patricio
,
Piedra Ansatuña, Mario
,
Marcos Chacón-Castro
This article examines the design and development process of interactive and immersive learning environments focused on conservation, management and responsible use of water. Using the Game Thinking methodology, interdisciplinary groups were formed, consisting of students from three different Master’s programs, along with designers, programmers, experts from the Quito Metropolitan Public Water and Sanitation Company (EPMAPS), and members of Foundation for the Support of Sustainable Development in Ecuador (FADSE). A total of 135 participants contributed diverse perspectives in education, user experience, technology, and sustainability. The objective was to develop proposals that would connect with children, young people, and adults to raise awareness about responsible water use, the consequences of waste, the contamination of water sources and simulate the consequences of water decisions in urban and rural environments. The study demonstrated that master’s students can play a significant role in addressing real urban challenges and that, when properly guided, their ideas can lead to innovative solutions aligned with emerging technologies. The developed solutions were evaluated by the students themselves alongside their peers, revealing that interactive tools not only promote active participation but also strengthen the emotional connection with the new water culture. Furthermore, the project emphasized accessibility, scalability, and cultural relevance, ensuring inclusive and sustainable educational solutions. In the future, the study will aim to assess the impact of these initiatives on public awareness and behavior.