Flashswing: A Kinect-Based Body Motion-Control Game Interaction In Student Commons

The convergence of academic pressures, technological distractions, and constrained access to exercise facilities has led to decreased physical activity among college students, which impacts their physical, mental, and social well-being. This paper introduces “FlashSwing,” a Kinect-based interactive body motion-control game designed for student commons to address these challenges. The project aims to facilitate accessible exercise, enhance positive emotions, and encourage social interactions. Using a research-through-design methodology, the game was developed with TouchDesigner and Kinect to create an immersive gaming experience that translates body movements into gameplay. Implemented at Cornell University with 33 participants, the effectiveness of FlashSwing was accessed using Kinect’s motion data, participant questionnaires, and experimenter observation. The results showed FlashSwing not only encouraged physical activity but also formed a social hub. The findings demonstrate the potential of interactive motion-control games to bridge the gap between technology and well-being of college students and promote an active college lifestyle.