Designing a Health Education Card Game for Adolescents Based on Constructivist Learning Theory: A Case Study of “Night of Hospital”

Abstract

This study explores the design of functional health science games from the perspective of constructivist learning theory, with a particular focus on card-based gameplay. Using antibiotic-resistant bacteria and phage therapy as thematic content, the research proposes three core design principles: interactive exploratory environments, progressively challenging yet controllable level structures, and trial-and-error-based learning. These principles are applied in the prototype game Night of Hospital. The study details the design process across three key dimensions—visual environment, level mechanics, and deck-building systems—and demonstrates how knowledge construction can be embedded within the game system. The findings provide a viable framework for enhancing both the educational impact and entertainment value of science communication games.