Visualizing climate change through LIFE-AMDRYC4: a VR mobile-based video game to educate adult audiences on sustainable agricultural practices

Figures & data

Figure 1. (Left) Map of the area framed for the LIFE AMDRYC4 pilot project (LIFE16 CCA/ES/000123). (Right) Areas selected for the intervention and sampling were located in the region of Murcia (SE Spain).

Figure 2. Screenshot of the gameplay. The current game state displays a deteriorated residence as a reflection of the poor level of the variables related to socioeconomic development. Source: LIFE AMDRYC4 (Universidad de Murcia, 2021b).

Figure 3. Screenshot of the ‘actions’ menu. Icons are designed for easy understanding of the agricultural strategies studied through the LIFE AmdryC4 pilot project. Source: LIFE AMDRYC4 (Universidad de Murcia, 2021b).

Figure 4. Screenshot of the ‘visual dictionary’ that gives information about the actions available for the user and briefly introduces potential consequences of the gameplay. Source: LIFE AMDRYC4 (Universidad de Murcia, 2021b).

Table 1. Frequencies of the eight items included in the Likert-style questionnaire, which was employed as a user evaluation of the mobile application (N = 84).

	Academics (N = 64)					Professionals (N = 20)					Stats
Items	Totally agree	Agree	Neutral	Disagree	Totally disagree	Totally agree	Agree	Neutral	Disagree	Totally disagree	U	Z	p
1. I have enjoyed using the app. I would like to play again.	12	35	8	9	0	4	16	0	0	0	295.000	−0.451	.652
2. The instructions for use of the application (game tutorial) are clear enough.	24	27	9	4	0	8	8	4	0	0	309.000	−0.187	.852
3. I have learned something new as an effect of this 20-min play or as effect of previous play.	16	31	12	5	0	6	12	2	0	0	266.000	−0.925	.355
4. In relation to my knowledge of the different agricultural practices, I consider that the actions and consequences portrayed are plausible.	16	31	13	4	0	4	14	2	0	0	290.000	−0.516	.606
5. After this experience, I have a greater interest in knowing more about the environmental consequences of agricultural practices.	22	21	21	0	0	12	4	4	0	0	238.000	−1.377	.168
6. After this experience, I have a greater interest in knowing more about the economic consequences of these practices.	18	26	17	3	0	8	8	4	0	0	265.000	−0.922	.357
7. In relation to my previous knowledge of the objects and scenarios represented through the game, I consider that their representation is accurate or realistic.	13	27	18	6	0	6	10	4	0	0	250.000	−1.174	.240
8. In relation to my previous knowledge of the represented space (SE of Spain), I consider that the virtual experience (using cardboard) is immersive. That is, it is similar to the experience of being there.	9	21	23	9	2	2	6	12	0	0	312.000	−0.133	.894

The Mann–Whitney test revealed no significant (two-tailed) statistical differences among the groups.

Figure 5. Percentages of responses re-encoded to show differences among groups.

Figure 6. Number of comments found in the questionnaires (N = 119) among professionals (n = 22) and academics (n = 97).

Table 2. Distribution of comments found regarding the categories of analysis.

Topics	Professionals %	Academics %	Examples
User experience (UX) design and interfaces	18.18	5.15	‘Sometimes, I have problems finding the way to close the menus.’
Accuracy of the 3D models	9.09	8.25	‘It feels quite real. However, in the game, I had problems in assessing this aspect when the gameplay was set up during the night.’
General value of the experience	18.18	15.46	‘I found it quite didactic and a good way to explore the impact of these consequences in the region.’
Clarity of instructions	9.09	13.40	‘(Instructions) should be clearer and elaborate’
Plausibility	9.09	21.65	‘It feels as if there are no negative consequences of many of the actions.’
Performance of the system	9.09	13.40	‘My device (Android) isn’t powerful enough to gain full access to the experience.’
Personal interest in the topic	9.09	13.40	‘I’m more interested in the economic consequences of these practices.’
Access and familiarity with interfaces (virtual reality/tactile)	9.09	6.19	‘The VR mode made me feel dizzy. Those options meant I had to make extreme movements with the head to select the right options.’
Suggestions for future versions	9.09	3.09	‘A story mode would be a great addition, adding dialogues and greater elaboration as regards the actions chosen.’
Total	100 (N = 22)	100 (N = 97)

An example from the coding is included to better describe these groups of insights.

Universidad de Murcia (2021b). LIFE AMDRY C4 (IOS). App Store (Apple Store). Retrieved from https://apps.apple.com/es/app/life-amdryc4/id1540739695

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