{"id":7636,"date":"2021-10-16T16:58:36","date_gmt":"2021-10-16T23:58:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec523\/?p=7636"},"modified":"2021-10-17T04:15:02","modified_gmt":"2021-10-17T11:15:02","slug":"a1-zombies-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec523\/2021\/10\/16\/a1-zombies-run\/","title":{"rendered":"A1 – Zombies, Run!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As an instructional designer, the power of storytelling and the hero\u2019s journey narrative has always interested me. In my own experience, I find them to be powerful tools when designing compelling and motivational learning experiences. A few years ago, I tore my ACL in one of my knees playing basketball. I was devasted as basketball was something I enjoyed playing, and I would not be able to play again unless I had surgery and time to recover. Basketball also had many positive benefits on my health and fitness. In my search to find a replacement activity, I came across a running application that combined gamification with a compelling storyline that made running more enjoyable and decided to give it a try. The mobile fitness application was called \u201cZombies, Run!\u201d and I still use it today. The application has all the functional abilities of other running applications; however, it uses audio storytelling to immerse runners into a post-apocalyptic adventure as the main character. Each mission begins with a clip that introduces the situation. You can listen to your music while you run, and more story clips will interrupt to explain what\u2019s going on and provide you with updates on your objectives. The application never asks you to change directions and as you run you will automatically pick up supplies to construct your base. Zombie chases can be enabled in the settings. When enabled, you will be notified when zombies are near, and you will be required to pick up your pace to getaway. If the zombies catch you, you lose the supplies you have collected. I believe that \u201cZombies, Run!\u201d provides a proven methodology and one that should be considered when designing for user motivation, not only in fitness but also for other mundane tasks or work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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