Leveraging Digital Games for Construction and Engineering Education: Development of a Beam Design Learning Tool

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Busra Yucel, Alper Turgut, Salman Azhar and José Henriques

Abstract

Traditional structural design education often struggles to engage students in applying abstract engineering concepts to practical problem-solving contexts. This study presents a proof of concept of a gamified learning tool for timber beam design, integrating constructivist principles and structural design standards into an interactive educational experience. The tool incorporates seven core gamification elements, problem-solving, goal clarity, adaptive challenges, user control, feedback, uncertainty, and sensory design, to enhance engagement and learning outcomes. The present work focuses on the design rationale, implementation, and formative evaluation of the prototype rather than on summative measurement of learning gains. Preliminary user feedback and expert review indicate that the tool is computationally robust, pedagogically aligned, and perceived as useful for practicing structural design procedures. As proof of concept, this study demonstrates the feasibility of embedding constructivist game mechanics within technically rigorous structural engineering workflows and establishes a foundation for ongoing research involving large-scale classroom deployment and controlled assessment of learning outcomes.

Keyphrases: constructivism, self regulated learning, serious games, structural design, timber beams

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 395-404.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/tMFl
	https://doi.org/10.29007/d9h7

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Leveraging_Digital_Games_Construction,
  author    = {Busra Yucel and Alper Turgut and Salman Azhar and José Henriques},
  title     = {Leveraging Digital Games for Construction and Engineering Education: Development of a Beam Design Learning Tool},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/tMFl},
  doi       = {10.29007/d9h7},
  pages     = {395-404},
  year      = {2026}}

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