Facilitating Discovery for Blind and Low Vision Players in Video Games with Surveyor Tool

Belangrijkste concepten

Surveyor enhances exploration and discovery for blind and low vision players in video games.

Samenvatting

Surveyor is an exploration assistance tool designed to foster a sense of discovery in blind and low vision (BLV) players within video games. It tracks where BLV players look, highlights unexplored areas, and provides menus for querying exploration status. The tool aims to provide a richer play experience by promoting agency in exploring environments and discovering items. Formative interviews with experienced BLV gamers revealed the importance of abilities like physically walking through environments, tracking explored regions, using audio beacons for navigation, and having multiple approaches to understanding the environment. Surveyor addresses these needs by offering directional scanning, matrix-based exploration tracking, and an audio-based menu system. A user study with nine BLV participants showed that Surveyor granted a strong sense of agency in exploration but was perceived as more cumbersome compared to a simple audio menu.

Statistieken

Surveyor enhances discovery for BLV players in video games.
Participants found Surveyor to have a higher learning curve than the simple audio menu.
Surveyor provided complete freedom to explore environments but was perceived as cumbersome by some participants.
The tool received the lowest median restrictiveness scores compared to other tools used in the study.
Paths taken by participants using Surveyor were less linear, indicating more exploration of the environment.

Citaten

"Surveyor gives you a lot of confidence... I have a game plan." - Participant 8
"[Surveyor] is my favorite... The closest that you can get to the same experience as a sighted player." - Participant 5
"There’s something to be said for just going straight down a list... There’s something to be said for just the simplicity of a single menu." - Participant 5
"With Surveyor... it just forces you to feel out the rest of the room." - Participant 2
"There were a lot of ways to see the level [with Surveyor]." - Participant 9

Belangrijkste Inzichten Gedestilleerd Uit

Surveyor

by Vishnu Nair,... om arxiv.org 03-18-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.10512.pdf

Diepere vragen

How can tools like Surveyor balance providing choice and overwhelming users?

Tools like Surveyor can balance providing choice and overwhelming users by implementing customizable settings that allow users to adjust the level of information provided. For example, Surveyor could include options to toggle between different levels of detail in highlighting unexplored areas or landmarks. Users could choose whether they want a more comprehensive overview of the environment or a more streamlined experience focused on key objectives. Additionally, incorporating user-friendly tutorials and guidance features can help users navigate the tool effectively without feeling overwhelmed.

What are potential improvements that could make Surveyor less cumbersome for some users?

To make Surveyor less cumbersome for some users, potential improvements could include:

Customizable Settings: Providing options for users to customize the tool's behavior based on their preferences.
Simplified User Interface: Streamlining the menu system and controls to make it more intuitive and easier to navigate.
Contextual Guidance: Offering contextual hints or prompts within the game environment to assist users in utilizing Surveyor effectively.
Progressive Learning Curve: Implementing a gradual introduction of features with interactive tutorials to help users become familiar with all aspects of the tool at their own pace.
Feedback Mechanisms: Incorporating feedback mechanisms that allow users to provide input on their experience using Surveyor, enabling continuous improvement based on user insights.

How might mainstream game developers incorporate similar tools like Surveyor into their games?

Mainstream game developers can incorporate similar tools like Surveyor into their games by following these steps:

User Research: Conducting thorough user research to understand the needs and preferences of players with varying abilities, including blind and low vision players.
Accessibility Features Integration: Integrating exploration assistance tools seamlessly into gameplay as optional accessibility features that enhance rather than detract from the overall gaming experience.
Testing and Iteration: Testing these tools with diverse groups of players, gathering feedback, and iterating based on user responses to ensure effectiveness across different player demographics.
Inclusive Design Principles: Applying inclusive design principles throughout development to create an accessible gaming experience for all players regardless of ability level.
5Developer Education: Providing training and resources for developers on designing inclusive gameplay mechanics and accessibility features in line with industry best practices.