Search

The construct of identity play, which involves the exploration and experimentation with possible future selves, is underexplored in organizational literature. To extend theory on identity play, we take a narrative inquiry approach and examine qualitative interview data in the context of virtual environments. Using a sociomateriality perspective, we contribute to theory on identity play in three ways. First, we reveal how identity play unfolds via the sociomaterial intertwining of not just human agency, but also material agency, situated work practices, and self-representations. Second, we offer a new definition of identity play that goes beyond the exploration of possible selves and uncover identity play narratives on the possible self, the improbable self, and the impossible self. We demonstrate how identity play, particularly with impossible selves, shapes others ' experiences and thus has implications beyond the self. Finally, three identity play affordances emerged: plasticity of appearance, plasticity of behavior, and plasticity of perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently there are no evidence based sport nutrition/physical activity (SN/PA) coaching apps co-developed with content, research and design experts and high school athletes (HSA) as end users. Researchers and HSA co-develop a virtual SN/PA assistant coach mobile app prototype for HSA to help them eat well and be active all year long. Twenty HSA were recruited based on their gamer's motivation profiles (Quantic Foundry assessment). Twelve junior co-designers (JCD) were selected (14-19y, male = 6; female = 6; 75% non-Hispanic White). Each JCD completed a phone interview with the lead researcher about motivators for HSA using a multiple-pass method. In Round 1, they listed their typical-school-day activities as a student athlete from waking up to going to bed. In Round 2, they identified activities that motivate them and linked their favorite verbs to them. In Round 3, they rated each activity's motivation level and provided a reason for their importance. Finally, they shared what helped them maintain healthy eating and active living during off-season/holiday/sick day. Then JCDs met once in-person (2hr) to ideate the mobile app prototype features. JCDs identified practical, engaging, and novel features for the app to help student athletes succeed. The three most motivating activities were: the sports they played, academic learning, and eating healthy meals. Top three reasons for engaging in their favorite activities were: You need to work hard to be successful; be a student first and keep your grades up; and start off your day right. Top three motivators during off-season/holiday/sick days were: coach keeping them active; workout with teammates/other athletes; and parents being active together. The researchers used this information to draft a wireframe for the mobile app prototype. Development of an app that will best engage HSA to maintain year-long healthy eating and physical activity must include input from the end user to help inform the researchers engaged in effective app development. NIFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the guest editors discuss issues related to virtual and mixed reality intelligent environments.