---

by Patrícia Marques Santos, Joana Matos Dias, and Cristela Maia Bairrada. published in 2024 in the journal Heliyon by the Faculty of Economics at the University of Coimbra, Portugals or critical evaluation based on specific criteria.

Critical Evaluation of the Master’s Thesis

1. Quality of Design

• Evaluation: The design is strong, with a focus on comprehensive bibliometric analysis and the TCCM (Theories, Contexts, Characteristics, and Methodologies) framework. This approach effectively categorizes and synthesizes existing literature.
• Strength: The hybrid review approach offers a well-organized view of gamification research in marketing, especially in terms of identifying research clusters and future directions.
• Weakness: The methodology could benefit from further exploration of alternative analytical frameworks beyond TCCM for a more diverse perspective.

2. Degree of Innovation

• Evaluation: This thesis is innovative in its synthesis of gamification literature specific to marketing using bibliometric and TCCM analysis, which has not been widely explored before.
• Strength: The emphasis on future research recommendations is particularly novel, setting a foundation for emerging areas in gamification.
• Weakness: The study primarily focuses on well-researched gamification elements and does not explore less common aspects of gamification, such as VR/AR or AI applications.

3. Independence

• Evaluation: The work shows a high level of independence, as it extensively gathers and categorizes literature without reliance on pre-existing summaries.
• Strength: The extensive use of original data from Scopus and the detailed analysis indicate a thorough, self-directed effort.
• Weakness: The thesis could potentially over-rely on keyword-based Scopus data, which might introduce some selection bias in the included research.

4. Organization and Structure

• Evaluation: The thesis is logically structured, moving smoothly from background to methodology, analysis, and discussion.
• Strength: Clear division into bibliometric analysis, TCCM framework, and conclusions makes the complex information accessible.
• Weakness: Some sections, especially the conclusions, could better integrate insights from the bibliometric and TCCM analyses for stronger cohesion.

5. Degree of Communication

• Evaluation: The communication is professional, with well-defined terms and clear language.
• Strength: Technical jargon is well-explained, making the thesis accessible even to readers unfamiliar with gamification in marketing.
• Weakness: Some parts of the analysis could benefit from simpler language to improve clarity further, especially in technical sections.

6. Scope of Work

• Evaluation: The scope is comprehensive, covering a broad range of gamification applications and identifying research gaps.
• Strength: The use of 114 articles from Scopus gives a broad overview of gamification in marketing, supporting a thorough exploration of the field.
• Weakness: The reliance on only journal articles excludes valuable insights from books and industry reports, which could enrich the scope.

7. Orthography, Care, and Accuracy

• Evaluation: The thesis is well-edited with minimal errors in grammar or spelling.
• Strength: The thesis adheres to high standards of academic language, and formatting errors are minimal.
• Weakness: Occasional complex terminology may affect readability for non-specialist readers.

8. Literature

• Evaluation: The literature review is exhaustive and up-to-date, including foundational and recent studies.
• Strength: It includes a diverse array of sources, with a balanced representation of foundational theories like self-determination theory and current research.
• Weakness: The literature review could benefit from including more critiques of gamification, examining both its benefits and limitations in marketing.

Summary and Grading

Suggested Grade: 2 (Very Good)

This thesis is thorough, well-organized, and highly original in its approach to categorizing and analyzing gamification research in marketing. While some areas, such as the conclusion integration and broader literature scope, could be strengthened, the overall quality is very high.

---

Title: Escape the Decision Arena – Designing and evaluating an immersive collaborative gaming experience in a cylindrical environment
Author: Peter Dromberg
Publication Year: 2022
Institution: Linköppings Universitet
Department: Department of Science and Technology

When I was researching for interesting Masters Theses this one stood out to me. Most of the other Masters theses I found where classic 2D Games, Inventory Systems or traffic simulations. This one is also a Game, but it uses a 360 Degree screen with multiple projectors around a round table. This makes the interaction and the possibilities much harder but also much more interesting.

1. Level of Design

The level of design in this thesis is well-structured and follows a classic scientific style, with clear sections, example images, and graphs that aid in understanding the content. It is a traditional approach, aligning with academic standards for a scientific master’s thesis. However, the design remains quite formal and restrained, which contrasts with more visually creative, “designy” theses that explore unique layouts or experimental formats.

2. Degree of Innovation

The work is innovative in several aspects. It explores game design in a non-standard environment (the Decision Arena), which includes an unusual 360-degree display and sound system, creating a new avenue for cooperative immersive games. The thesis pushes the boundaries of typical multiplayer games by integrating physical space with digital interaction, specifically focusing on collaborative gameplay and sound localization.

3. Independence

The authors show a high degree of independence, having not only designed and developed the game but also evaluated it through multiple user tests. They tackled various technical challenges, such as integrating WebSockets, Unreal Engine, and SuperCollider for an immersive audio-visual experience, which demonstrates their capability to work autonomously and resolve complex, interdisciplinary problems.

4. Outline and Structure

The thesis follows a logical and clear structure, with sections on the theoretical framework, methodology, game design, evaluation, and results. Each chapter builds on the previous one, which aids in understanding their design decisions. The theoretical section covers immersion, sound, and interface design comprehensively, providing a strong foundation for the project. However, the structure could be improved by consolidating some sections to streamline readability.

5. Degree of Communication

The thesis communicates its findings well, though there are some technical terms that could benefit from additional clarification for general readers. The methods and results are presented clearly, with diagrams and figures enhancing the understanding of the Decision Arena’s setup and the system architecture. The authors also provided a balanced presentation of quantitative and qualitative evaluation results, which enhances the comprehensibility of their research outcomes.

6. Scope of the Work

The scope is ambitious, covering game design, sound engineering, and immersive technology within a collaborative environment. The authors focused on multiple dimensions of the game (visuals, sound, interaction) within the limited space and technology constraints of the Decision Arena. While comprehensive, the scope might have been narrowed to explore one or two aspects more deeply, such as sound localization or immersive design mechanics.

7. Orthography and Accuracy

The Author effectively communicate his concept, which aligns well with academic standards. It is written very well and helps to really understand the topic and the Journey the Author went through.

8. Literature

The thesis utilizes a good selection of literature related to immersive experiences, game design, and sound localization, particularly relevant to the unique Decision Arena setting. The authors have cited a range of studies on immersion, interface design, and collaborative gaming, indicating a strong theoretical basis for their project.

Sources

https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1740943/FULLTEXT01.pdf

Runners High, Creating Interactive Audio Experiences for Runners

Master Theses in Sound Design by Hannes Barfuss at Zürcher Hochschule der Künste. May 2021

1. Level of Creativity

The Author brings in a good amount of creativity in his thesis, he develops an audio-based AR app that should enhance the experience of running. He explores different areas like real time sound manipulation, spatial Audio, programming and develops a prototype.

He measures acceleration data which puts out numbers, which should be translated into audio, and this audio should tell a ‘story of running’ through sounds and motivate the runner

2. Degree of Innovation

Not really knowing what the current state of research in this area is, I would say the work is innovative as he explores audio aspects of AR and he is combining it with real time sound manipulation and audio feedback which interacts with the physical state the runner is in.  Gamification of running is a field with quite a bit of research in it. The thesis shows some of the current project/applications in this field, but they all have a different approach to it.

This project has a lot of technical challenges as it is dealing with for example latency issues and mobile deployment.

3. Independence

The work on this thesis seems like a lot of independent work has been done. The author made algorithms for movement detection and state recognition using for example PureData. It seems like he explored a lot of options and tools to figure out what is best for his work. He developed his own idea and supported and build it up from research. From what I grasped also a lot of problem solving had to be done.

4. Structure

Overall, the thesis is well structured going from the first introduction what is the goal, to research in different relevant fields to prototyping to the outcome. He gave the chapters titles in the theme as if it would be a run (from before the run, over choosing the right shoes, until stretching after). Some chapters have too many subchapters, up to seven, and some of them are just half a page long, so he could have put some subchapter together into one.

5. Degree of Communication

In some parts this thesis deals with quite complex technical topics. In my opinion it is written in a way that is good to understand with some technical terms explained. But in some parts where he dives a lot into details it can be hard to understand.

6. Extent of the work

The thesis has a big amount of work. It includes theoretical research, a technical overview of augmented reality audio, practical design and implementation, and a prototype evaluation. The areas in which he works include and combine artistic and technical aspects.

7. Orthography and accuracy

The work has clear documentation and citations. It seems like the author gave attention to the language used. Overall, it seems like a very well researched work.

8. Literature

The topic covers many different areas of research, and the thesis is written upon more than 65 sources on various relevant topics. Although it is not very clear in the literature list on first sight which kind of sources are used.

The Master’s thesis I chose for this task is from University of Zagreb – School of Designs and it was written by Nikola Heged. The title of this Master Thesis is “TERAPINO — System for Advancing Therapeutic Techniques“.

1. Level of design

The design of this thesis follows the guidelines set by the university. While there is no freedom in designing the format itself, small adjustments to the layout of elements are allowed. In my opinion, the format used is quite interesting; it is rather large and horizontally oriented, which gives it a sense of importance and formality. The author skillfully utilized the given format to create a cohesive and harmonious whole.

2. Degree of innovation

I consider this project to be innovative because it connects the physical and digital aspects of therapy for children. The system fundamentally functions as a digital application with an extension in an analog form, depending on the specific needs of the therapeutic process, patients, and/or therapists. The system covers the process during therapy but also enables individual therapeutic activities that the child can complete independently at home or with parents. In this way, the overall therapeutic process is rounded out and enhanced, extending beyond the therapist’s office to the home environment.

3. Independence

The author collaborated extensively with the Polyclinic for Children and Youth of the City of Zagreb, and this project is based on their professional work. From this, I conclude that a great deal of effort and independence was invested in collecting, summarizing, and conceptualizing the project — under the mentorship of professors, of course.

4. Outline and structure

I find that the structure is clearly laid out, starting with an analysis of the area of interest, followed by creative research methods, which further guides the author towards defining the target group and designing the project. The flow of this thesis makes sense to me, and the sections are well-connected. In its outline, the topic appears to be well-focused and not overly broad, addressing only what is necessary for the final outcome.

5. Degree of communication

The degree of communication in this thesis is clear and effective. The author does a good job of keeping a consistent tone while explaining complex ideas in a simple way. The structure helps with communication by moving logically from one section to the next, so each point builds on the last one. The use of visuals and examples makes it easier to understand, which helps a wider audience follow along. This focus on communication adds to the overall clarity and effectiveness of the project.

6. Scope of the work

The scope of the work is well-defined and focused. The author clearly outlines the main goals and objectives, making it easy to understand what the project aims to achieve. He saw the clear pain points of the topic, and without going off track or including unnecessary information, worked his way to the solution. Overall, the scope of the project is appropriate and supports the main thesis effectively

7. Orthography and accuracy

The thesis is well organized, clearly divided into logical chapters and subchapters, also the author uses footnotes for citations the right way. However, the thesis does contain some spelling errors, which could have been avoided with a more thorough review of the entire work.

8. Literature

I believe that a sufficient number of works have been used for the literature review, all of them seem relevant and credible sources, which I consider very important for this topic. Additionally, the literature is divided into books, scientific articles, and online sources, which I appreciated as it makes it easier to review.

_{*This blog post was created with the help of ChatGPT, used for summarizing thoughts and translating them into English}

Author: Eva Jenčuráková
Title: Handwriting of the Author in the Artists Book of Poetry (Rukopis autora v autorskej knihe básní)
Institution: Technical University of Košice, Faculty of Arts, Department of Design (Fakulta umení Technickej univerzity v Košiciach, katedra dizajnu)
Study programme: Design (dizajn)
Language: Slovak (slovenský)

This thesis explores the integration of visual art and poetry to create a deeply personal and expressive work. The author investigates how handwritten text, illustrations, and poetry can combine in an artist’s book to convey thoughts and emotions authentically. The output of the thesis was printed book of poems consisting of 120 pages of authors poetry utilizing their personal handwriting and illustrations, and 120 empty pages, where author invites the reader to reflect on their own thoughts and experiences.

1. Level of Design

The design of the thesis is contains well-integrated multifaceted elements. Combining poems, handwritten texts, and illustrations creates a cohesive and balanced layout that aligns with the subject matter. The author originally intended to create a script font based in their handwriting for this project, however after further experimentation and contemplation decided against it – part for their inexperience with font creations, but mainly for authenticity, which is inevitably diminished in any such attempts.

2. Degree of Innovation

This work introduces an innovative approach by merging visual arts with poetry in an artist’s book format with personal approach. The author also included audio recording of a self-narrated audio, which further distinguishes the project, providing a multi-sensory experience.

3. Independence

The project demonstrates a strong capacity for independent work. The author has clearly led the creative process, developing both the theoretical and artistic aspects with minimal external guidance, which reflects well on their self-direction and commitment. The author was working with their own personal creative output since the beginning – their poetry, and they have build the rest on this basis.

4. Outline and Structure

The structure of the thesis well-organized. Each section builds logically on the last, guiding the reader through both the research and the creative process seamlessly. However there is no notable subdivision of bigger part into chapters, which might have provided better overview of the content.

5. Degree of Communication

The concepts were communicated in a way that is easy to follow. The work is highly personal and as such at times the texts are perhaps unnecessarily long. The author possess certain poetic flair in their written expression, which could have been on occasion toned down and reduced, given the academic context of the thesis.

6. Scope of the Work

The thesis addresses a broad range of relevant ideas, from the creative process to the study of interdisciplinary trends among young poets and artists. Research was conducted meticulously and included multiple methods, such as for example interviews of other poets ( young people with work yet unpublished) and deep analysis of relevant already published works. All this gives the work depth while keeping it focused on the main artistic goals.

7. Orthography and Accuracy

The text shows attention to spelling and grammar, with no significant errors. Author is obviously well versed in writing. The careful editing contributes to the professional quality of the work.

8. Literature

The literature used is relevant and thoughtfully chosen. The author based their work in relevant bibliography, only occasionally reaching for internet sources, when appropriate.

1. Dive into Research: I’m starting by digging into research on gamification and design thinking. I’ll comb through articles and case studies to understand the latest insights.
2. Mini Experiments:
   • Online Simulations: Instead of big workshops, I’ll organize bite-sized online simulations. Think interactive challenges that participants can tackle from the comfort of their own screens.
   • Weekly Creativity Checks: I’ll conduct weekly creativity check-ins with a small group of participants. We’ll explore different gamified techniques and track how they influence creativity over time.
   • Virtual Brainstorming: Harnessing the power of technology, I’ll host virtual brainstorming sessions with gamified elements. It’s like bringing the fun of gamification to our design discussions, minus the logistical headache!
3. Measure What Matters:
   • Creative Output: I’ll develop simple creativity assessments to measure the quality and originality of ideas generated during our experiments.
   • Engagement Surveys: Quick surveys will help me gauge participant engagement and satisfaction with the gamified activities.
   • Process Observations: I’ll keep a close eye on the design thinking process during our experiments, noting any changes in approach or problem-solving strategies.
4. Simplicity is Key: Keeping it simple is my motto. I’ll focus on small-scale experiments that don’t require a big budget or logistical gymnastics.
5. Share the Knowledge: Once I’ve collected some insights, I’ll share them with the world. Whether through blog posts, social media updates, or informal chats with classmates, I’ll spread the word about what I’ve learned.

So, that’s my plan to explore gamification in design thinking, one manageable experiment at a time. It’s all about curiosity, creativity, and making the most of the resources we have as students. Let’s dive in and see where this journey takes us! ✨🎮🚀