DanceMove: Promoting Social Interaction and Healthy Ageing Through Foot-Interaction

Ceci Diehl, Telmo Silva, Jorge Ferraz, Ana Almeida, Ana Isabel Martins, Óscar Ribeiro, Gonçalo Santinha, Nelson Rocha, Anabela Silva

2025

Abstract

Foot interaction, which involves using foot movements to control digital systems, has been explored as an alternative input method in several digital solutions, especially in video games. In particular, dance mats and pressure-sensitive platforms have been used to enable older adults to engage with technology, promoting movement and overall well-being. Despite the new forms of interaction, these technologies are often designed for younger audiences, presenting challenges for older players. To address these challenges, the game DanceMove was developed as part of the SHAPES project (EU Horizon 2020) with a user interface specifically designed to meet the characteristics and needs of older adults. This study presents the design and evaluation of DanceMove’s user interface, which integrates customizable choreography, adaptable difficulty levels, and music selection to enhance accessibility and engagement. The interface was tested with older adults using the Think-Aloud Protocol and the Self-Assessment Manikin method to assess usability, engagement, and emotional response. Results indicate that participants found the game enjoyable and motivating, although some required additional support for balance and confidence. The findings highlight the potential of foot-based games to promote physical activity, cognitive stimulation and social interaction among older adults, while also identifying challenges related to usability and resistance to new technologies.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Diehl C., Silva T., Ferraz J., Almeida A., Martins A., Ribeiro Ó., Santinha G., Rocha N. and Silva A. (2025). DanceMove: Promoting Social Interaction and Healthy Ageing Through Foot-Interaction. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC; ISBN 978-989-758-743-6, SciTePress, pages 421-432. DOI: 10.5220/0013504100003938

in Bibtex Style

@conference{is4wb_sc25,
author={Ceci Diehl and Telmo Silva and Jorge Ferraz and Ana Almeida and Ana Martins and Óscar Ribeiro and Gonçalo Santinha and Nelson Rocha and Anabela Silva},
title={DanceMove: Promoting Social Interaction and Healthy Ageing Through Foot-Interaction},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC},
year={2025},
pages={421-432},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013504100003938},
isbn={978-989-758-743-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: IS4WB_SC
TI - DanceMove: Promoting Social Interaction and Healthy Ageing Through Foot-Interaction
SN - 978-989-758-743-6
AU - Diehl C.
AU - Silva T.
AU - Ferraz J.
AU - Almeida A.
AU - Martins A.
AU - Ribeiro Ó.
AU - Santinha G.
AU - Rocha N.
AU - Silva A.
PY - 2025
SP - 421
EP - 432
DO - 10.5220/0013504100003938
PB - SciTePress