Основні поняття
Video games accessible to blind and low vision players need exploration assistance tools like Surveyor to enhance discovery.
Анотація
The content discusses the development of Surveyor, an in-game exploration assistance tool designed to foster a sense of discovery for blind and low vision (BLV) players. The tool tracks where BLV players look, highlights unexplored areas, and provides menus for exploration status. A user study with nine BLV participants evaluated Surveyor's effectiveness compared to existing accessible game tools.
Abstract:
- Video games increasingly accessible to BLV players.
- Current accessibility tools guide directly, robbing of experience.
- Proposal of exploration assistance tool Surveyor.
- Designed using insights from formative study.
- Evaluation reveals implications for richer play experiences.
Introduction:
- Mainstream video games more accessible but lack enjoyment.
- Importance of cultivating qualities like discovery in games.
- Assistive tools fall short in granting sense of discovery.
- Proposal to develop navigation assistance tools fostering exploration and discovery.
Formative Interviews:
- Insights from two experienced BLV gamers on preferences and needs.
- Desire for abilities like discovering items while walking, tracking explored regions, using audio beacons, providing multiple approaches.
Surveyor Features:
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Right Stick-Based Directional Scanning:
- Allows players to "look around" themselves in real-time.
- Provides quick overview of surroundings enhancing spatial awareness.
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Matrix-Based Exploration Tracking:
- Tracks explored and unexplored regions within the current area.
- Highlights unexplored patches enabling further exploration.
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Exploration Status Menu System:
- Audio-based menu system facilitating easy access to exploration information.
- Lists unexplored patches, seen landmarks, known/unexplored areas within the world.
User Study Findings:
- Surveyor granted strong sense of agency in exploring environments.
- Some participants found Surveyor cumbersome due to highlighting unnecessary areas.
Статистика
"Surveyor is my favorite." - P8
"[Surveyor] gives you a lot of confidence." - P9
Цитати
"Surveyor grants a strong sense of agency." - P8
"[Surveyor] is closest you can get to sighted experience." - P5