Experiencing Emotional Labor Through Play : A Research-through-Design Study of Housewife Sim

This study explores how interactive digital experience can represent the mental impact of emotional labor, particularly performed by Chinese housewives. Adopting a Research through Design (RtD) methodology, the project draws on game studies and personal experience to iteratively develop Housewife Sim, a simulation game. The game aims to visualize invisible domestic labor through task management systems, mood and energy bars and emotionally responsive NPCs. Qualitative methods like observation and focus group interviews are used to assess player engagement and interpretation. For the findings, it suggests that game mechanics can effectively communicate the emotional weight of caregiving. In order to show emotional dissonance in the game, lack of positive feedback was an important part. It highlights the importance of balancing emotional pressure, narrative pace and UI design in game to sustain engagements. However, there are still some limitations, including cultural specificity of emotional constraints, small sample size etc. Despite these constraints, this study contributes to understanding how games can reflect the complex concept of emotional labor.