Design and Development of a Liushu-Based Interactive Game for Chinese Character Learning: A Game Mechanics–Driven Approach

บทคัดย่อ

This study presents the design and development of a Liushu-based interactive game for Chinese character learning, employing a game mechanics–driven approach to transform linguistic theory into meaningful learning interactions. The proposed system integrates principles of the Liushu (六书) theory with core game mechanics, including character structure decomposition, classification-based gameplay, progressive challenge levels, and immediate feedback loops, in order to support structural understanding and learner engagement. Grounded in cognitive learning theory and game-based learning principles, the design positions game mechanics as the central mechanism through which learners interact with and internalize Chinese character knowledge. The system was implemented as an interactive learning application for upper secondary school students, and a preliminary evaluation using a one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted to examine the feasibility and educational potential of the proposed approach. The results showed substantial gains in conceptual understanding and high levels of learner engagement and satisfaction, providing supportive evidence that theory-driven game mechanics can effectively scaffold Chinese character learning. The primary contribution of this work lies in (1) a Liushu-to-game-mechanics mapping, (2) a game mechanics–driven design framework that links linguistic theory, cognitive processes, and game mechanics, and (3) a fully implemented playable system that demonstrates the practicality of the framework in real classroom contexts.