More ideas for Accessible Leisure

8 Feb 2016

Useful post on "hot to get ideas for applications from Nigel Harris and others: https://www.element14.com/community/thread/49038/l/how-to-get-ideas-on-applications

Here's some more info on accessible leisure from my post there:

Some useful information on people facing barriers in game accessibility can be delved into here (see the forums section especially): http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/game-accessibility-sites.html and here: http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Design%20Tips

It's not too hard to imagine some of the barriers people might be facing in leisure with physical activities, if they can't freely get around. Sometimes the requirements are too demandingly precise / out-of-reach / too strenuous / too painful.

The Wii remote and Playstation Six-Axis have long been a difficulty for many physically disabled players.
VR games provide similar difficulties. Imagine being unable to move your neck but desperately wanting to interact with something VR only.
Sports like Bowling, Pool, Golf etc. are hard to have full independent control over for someone unable to use the traditional kit.
Barriers to toys that are fun to play are legion. Think about sight/hearing/physical/cognitive barriers.

These links may point towards something that can be improved upon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEA6FlHrstg (TecTetra motorised system to move a Wii remote).

http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/bowling (Various Bowling systems - none of which assist with aiming).

http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/accessible-pool.html (Accessible Pool systems).

http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/switch-dog-ball-launcher.html (Dog Ball system).

http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Accessible%20Park (Accessible Playgrounds).

http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/2007/09/switch-activated-pouring-cup.html (Cup pourer for cooking etc.).

http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/2007/09/switch-adapted-cameras.html (Pan and Tilt system for a camera - something like this for a phone would be fantastic - perhaps using iOS Switch Recipes for a switch user to take photos for iPhone/iPad users at least).

http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/sip-puff-carnage.html (Scary stuff).

http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/switch-drinks-pourer.html (Drinks pourer).

http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/2009/11/switch-painting.html (Access to art using standard accessibility switches).

http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/robotar-kickstarter-accessible-guitar.html (Robotar)

http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=nerf (Fun stuff with Nerf guns / water-pistols)

http://oneswitch.org.uk/4/DIY/index.htm (Some basic stuff for using with standard accessibility switches).

A lot of the stuff above is either rare, out-of-reach expensive or just a one-off. So much could be done for boosting access to leisure and creative opportunities. Sometimes people won't ask for stuff because they have no idea it's possible. Definitely a good idea to try to track down some people to try your creations who are facing barriers.

Barrie

Top Comments

Former Member over 8 years ago +1

Something else that would be beneficial for some people, that perhaps can fit into the criteria of this challenge, would be to make one or two-button redemption games accessible, found at amusement arcades…

clem57 over 8 years ago in reply to Former Member

Wow you are inspiring me here.
Clem
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Former Member over 8 years ago

Something else that would be beneficial for some people, that perhaps can fit into the criteria of this challenge, would be to make one or two-button redemption games accessible, found at amusement arcades and fun fairs around the globe, for people using accessibility switches. That was a long sentence.

I'm thinking something a little Ben Heck / Jon's Arcade solution. Bit more on this here: http://switchgaming.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/one-switch-arcade.html and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7Aq30XisPw

Also, someone got in touch recently with me who has cerebral palsy, who wanted to give their dog treats independently. The set-up would need to sit on a wheelchair tray, as unobtrusively as possible, be possible to remove easily, and to make it easy to control using a broad push button. There are cheap sweet dispensers, but we were looking for something that could cope with a variety of treats.

Good luck all!

Barrie
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Former Member over 8 years ago in reply to clem57

Portal is something of a thinking game that was very popular. And point and click adventures still have appeal, such as Double-Fine's Broken Age. I know what you're getting at though. If you hunt around there's probably something for everyone.
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clem57 over 8 years ago in reply to DAB

The reason is that thinking games are not "interesting" to the GP. Action drives the games.
Clem
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Former Member over 8 years ago in reply to DAB

I'm not sure what you envisage, but there are games that don't particularly rush the user, but do stretch the mind. Not so much in the mainstream.

Have you seen Her Story? http://www.herstorygame.com/. Stuff like Everybody's Gone to the Rapture and Dear Esther? Most interactive fiction such as can be found on Twine? There are a lot of strategy/puzzle games that do not require hugely quick reactions too.

I agree (I think) though that AAA games tend to be narrow in approach, and narrow in accessibility. I'm hopeful this will improve.

The biggest physical barriers are in those games (whatever genre) that require complex controls + gyroscopic/accelerometer input and require very quick reactions. Of course there are many other barriers too.

You may find this of interest: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130260/the_theory_of_parallel_game_.php?print=1
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