Accessibility Database: Concept Project
The Background
I started this project with the intention of expanding my knowledge and understanding of the game industry in relation to user experience. During my research I became aware about the lack of accessibility standards within the game industry and learned how limited the information about accessible features in video games is. Thus the creation of Morpic Dreams Studios, a website intended to create a community and advocate for accessibility in video games, while providing a database of centralized information making the search for accessible games easy.
Project Overview
Through the development of accessibility first video games and a community website featuring an accessibility database, Morhpic Dreams Studio is a game development studio that aims to advocate for the importance of implementing further accessibility standards.
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I started this project through user research to provide validation of the problem and provide feedback to support the design process. I then conducted a comparative analysis of the market and developed user personas. Bringing the project to completion with user acceptance testing and a prototype, I also structured a viable business plan creating business goals and analytics.
Process:
User Survey/Validation
Comparative Analysis
Personas
UX Theme
User Journey
User Flows
Wireframes
UA Testing
Style Guide
Logo and Branding
Prototype
Business Goals
KPIs and Metrics
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Tools:
Adobe XD
Procreate
Google Forms
Canva
Miro
Problem
Accessibility is often considered to be a low priority in game design which leads to compromised gameplay or the inability to play at all. Information on the accessible features available in video game is also limited and hard to find.
Solution
A game development studio that would put accessibility at the forefront of design. In addition to creating a centralized information hub to support users search for accessible video games.
Result
The creation of Morphic Dreams Studios as game studio with an informative database to find accessible games by filtering for accessible requirements, paired with a supportive community feed to make finding accessible video games enjoyable again.
Research Analysis
After establishing the problem I set out to solve my first step was to validate my assumptions through conducting a user survey. I then paired these findings with secondary research and a comparative analysis of the markets current solutions. Analyzing all of the research influenced the implementation of an accessibility search database which became the intended core function of the project.
Primary And Secondary Research
Out of over 2,700 game developers surveyed, only 39% of game developers said the game they were currently working on was including accessibility features.
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March 21-25, 2022
San Francisco, CA
Comparative Analysis
User Centered Approach
With the research findings I then created personas based on the types of target users for the platform. Utilizing personas removes the need to guess and provides real scenarios to follow when creating the user journey. With an strategy initial strategy created I conducted a user acceptance test to confirm or correct my assumptions in order to design a platform that aligned with user expectations.
Primary Users
Users who live with some type of disability and require accessible features to be built into video games. The absence of accessible features could compromise game play or prevent this user group from being able to play the game all together.
Secondary Users
Users who do not live with a disability, but can benefit from the option to use accessibility features in video games. Users in this group may be slightly bothered by the absence of accessible features but they can still play and enjoy the game.
Personas
User Acceptance Testing
Putting Together Strategy
With a clear understanding of the target users needs and expectations for the website, the next step in the process was to develop a viable business plan including analytics and promotional tactics. Once I established a design strategy I created a prototype that showcases some of the core features that support the user, such as the accessible database and community feed.
Core Features
Accessibility Rating
Every video game is given a general rating for how accessible the game is based on standards created through user feedback and research. Personalized scores will show how well the game meets the user's accessibility requirements according to their profile.
Accessibility Features Database
User's can view a list of the accessibility features that are implemented within each game in the database. Each feature will have explanations on what the features are, how they work, and where to set them up in game. Users can save accessible feature pages to their profile to easily look up anytime.
Connect With A Community
Engage with a supportive community passionate about advocating for accessibility in games. Users can post on their feed, stay up to date and chat with friends.
Personalized Experience
When users set up their profiles, complete searches, and save games to their favourites and wishlist, they will receive personalized suggestions of video games and search results. They can also create saved filter combinations for quick personalized browsing.
Prototype
