FocusLocus aims to introduce advanced technologies originating from ICT research and gaming industry into non-leisure contexts and specifically into the ADHD domain. The implementation of the proposed game-based intervention is expected to allow children with ADHD to ameliorate ADHD symptoms and overcome associated learning limitations that may lead to social exclusion if left untreated. From a cost-benefit analysis perspective, the FocusLocus will serve in reducing ADHD management costs, as it will provide a cost-effective alternative to currently widespread approaches, such as pharmacological treatment. In order to accomplish a solid market take-up of FocusLocus, a sustainable community of industry actors and stakeholders is established, engaging developers, researchers and end-users in the development of the appropriate Business Model (BM).
Unlike other games specifically designed for children with ADHD, the FocusLocus gaming system, adopts the structure and gameplay of Real-Time Strategy (RTS) and Management Simulation (MS) game genres (e.g. Age of Empires and Simcity, respectively). RTS and MS games have been implemented in non-leisure contexts and they have mainly adopted educational approaches in order to foster targeted learning on specific thematic areas. The use of RTS gaming in cognitive studies is fairly limited, however, the obtained and growing data collected has demonstrated benefits that span across development and cognitive skills.
FocusLocus therefore aspires to deliver both economic and societal innovations, bearing significant impacts on multiple dimensions and in the areas of technology, learning and behavioural treatment, health, social inclusion, accessibility and economy. The impact of the FocusLocus project can be categorized in the following areas:
-Transfer the ICT know-how from the gaming industry regarding the application of gaming techniques and gamification in non-leisure contexts.
-FocusLocus games aim to ameliorate ADHD symptoms and social inclusion of ADHD sufferers.
-Improvement of skills such as: working memory, sustained attention, selective attention, inhibitory control, delay aversion, motor coordination.
-Due to its game system modularity and scalability, the FocusLocus will allow possible future adaptations of the game with the introduction of new content and mechanics that can address ADHD symptoms as well as other learning disorders.
-Provide tools and offer opportunities for systematically supporting a real dialogue between the ICT and social sciences researchers.
-FocusLocus aims to deliver a complementary intervention to established treatment methodologies and provide a compelling, interactive and engaging activity program alternative and eventually achieve lower treatment costs.
-Improve employment rates by helping ADHD children to acquire new skills, adapt to a changing labour market and make successful career shifts.
