SANE – A Journey for Health: Prototype Game Design and a Cognitive Walkthrough Evaluation

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has forced many individuals to work from home in order to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. This extended period of isolation has had a significant impact on mental health, and there is a stigma surrounding mental health issues that can prevent individuals from seeking professional help. Games have been shown to be an effective tool for learning new concepts, and in this study, we present a proof-of-concept digital game prototype designed and developed during the pandemic in 2020. The prototype game provides opportunities for users to learn about mental health and the professionals who approach related disorders, with a focus on anxiety and depression. We also evaluate the prototype game's usability and effectiveness using the Cognitive Walkthrough method. Our findings suggest that the game has the potential to contribute to the promotion of mental health and well-being, especially in times of crisis such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.