Game-based learning is one efficient pedagogical concept that uses game principles to incite learners to engage into learning activities. Learning Games (LG) are commonly known as digital environments. They have undeniable assets but also some limits, such as the artificiality of the learning context. In the mean time, new technologies have been increasingly developed, thus providing new perspectives in game-based learning. In particular, Mixed Reality (MR) technologies merge both real and digital worlds. Mixed Reality Learning Games (MRLG) offer real benefits for teaching: they enable active pedagogy trough the physical immersion of learners, “in situ” information while practicing and authentic context. In our work, we focus on the design process of MRLG. The first part of the thesis presents how Mixed Reality is used for educational and gaming purposes. An analysis of existing MRLG shows both their assets and the complexity of their design. MRLG designers have to cope with all the difficulties of learning design, game design and mixed reality design at the same time, and with the integration of all aspects in a coherent way. Besides, there is a lack of specific tool or methodology. In order to understand the specific needs of MRLG designers, we analyze and model the MRLG design activity from MRLG design processes described in papers and existing methodologies for LG and MR. We also illustrate and clarify MRLG design needs with the observation of a MRLG design activity in the SEGAREM project. We highlight some needs for modeling, creativity, and verification of coherence. To meet the identified needs, the third part is dedicated to a state of the art of tools available for learning design, game design and Mixed Reality design. This study leads us to three solutions to assist MRLG design: a model, a set of tools for creativity, and an authoring tool. We first propose a model called f-MRLG to describe fully and clearly a MRLG. f-MRLG is a support to MRLG design as it helps designer to organize their ideas and to identify which elements must be described. It also reinforces mutual comprehension in a team. Our second proposal is a set of tools for creativity: lists of possibilities, examples and suggestions for game types and Mixed Reality systems choices. We conducted a first experiment on the two proposals, which led to their improvement. These two proposals drove to the design and development of an authoring tool, named MIRLEGADEE (MIxed Reality LEarning GAme DEsign Environment), to support the MRLG design. This tool is an extension of LEGADEE, which already supports the design of learning games using a computer. An experiment with 20 teachers and training designers validated that MIRLEGADEE successfully guides the designers in the MRLG design process, in spite of limits for the support of complex tasks.
