Using The Nintendo Wii ® To Teach Human Factors Principles

This paper describes how to use of the Nintendo Wii® game console to teach students a variety of human factors principles. First, the concept of Signal Detection Theory (SDT) is explained using a personalized searching game on the Wii®. Next, an activity involving human sensory systems is discussed. Finally, a learning module that addresses control design and feedback, focusing on the game’s controller (Wii Remote or Wiimote) is presented. Potential topic areas for future activities, including human computer interaction, are also discussed. The teaching activities described in this paper have been successfully used by the author in past semesters. A sampling of student feedback is provided in the paper. Finally, a discussion of how the activities could be extended to non-human factors courses and outreach activities is presented.