Chapter VII
The DODDEL Model:
A Flexible Document-Oriented Model
for the Design of Serious Games
Mark McMahon
Edith Cowan University, Australia
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ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes a document-oriented instructional design model to inform the development of
serious games. The model has key features in that it promotes a theoretically inclusive approach to
learning, a focus on game elements and an emphasis on documentation to provide the rigour necessary
to be used as part of a broader project management model. The model defines increasingly granular
stages leading to final production documentation for software development. Each design stage contains
a series of iterative co-dependent elements. It is proposed that the model can form a base for prescribing
and managing activities within an industry context but also as a means to teach the instructional design
process for serious games within a higher education setting. A case study of the initial implementation
of the model is discussed in order to contextualise it and provide a basis for future enhancement.
INTRODUCTION
Instructional design models are often used to guide
the process of designing and developing a range
of learning media. They have value in describ-
ing the design process; managing the process;
prescribing activities within it; communicating
with the clients and other key stakeholders; and
finally, teaching and conducting research about
the process.
There are a number of well known design
models for instructional technology that have
been well received and implemented in many
settings. Most are influenced by the common