Accessibility when developing browser- based EXER games - Creating a pipeline for visual development of accessible applications

Abstract

This research will delve into the design process for accessibility within browser- based games using Liopep, a 2-minute health and fitness focused gamified application. The findings can be extrapolated to cover not just the target, EXER games played in the browser but also design choices made when designing webpages and games in general. During the process for researching, this thesis covered topics focusing on visual elements and features for those with impairments affecting their sight and those with disabilities affecting their cognitive abilities. Studies were conducted using design research process as the main method, expanding on the data with surveys and available accessibility tests. For the design research process the thesis used case studies and concept designs to test usability, accessibility, and readability for the different games in Liopep. Researching the topic uncovered many design features which should or need to be added to the application as well as disabilities which are not widely designed for despite their commonality and ease to design around. As an example, one of the major disabilities that the thesis researched designs for is Irlen Syndrome, an information processing impairment. Designing around it would mean the webpage should have an optional color overlay to reduce the contrast between elements. Using the case studies, guidelines, and laws as well as the supporting smaller studies conducted this thesis put together a pipeline for creating assets, games, and website designs while implementing accessibility tests during the process. Using a well-defined pipeline to implement accessibility design is one of the most efficient and easiest ways to create accessible products as designing for disabilities should never be an afterthought.