Abstract:
Blind people have to face· issues like usability with many everyday items. The
problems they face lie in the product itself because the available products are no
different from the products used by regular consumers, which follow regular
standards excluding the need of the visually impaired. Even if there are some
products, they are rarely successful in providing appropriate or accessible learning
media/activities/games specifically for people with vision problems. It is a stated
fact that people with problems of vision/sight do not have motor/physical
restrictions, but the barrier lies in the products themselves that are not designed
according to the need of the user. Lack of awareness of blind user's experience,
cost, and industry culture are some of the reasons that in Pakistan, blind students
in primary or secondary schools have limited learning media. Even though
technology has advanced, no improvements are seen in the products they use. The
most common learning medium used by blind students in Pakistan is Braille books.
Older methods of teaching are still being used to this date. In their free time, these
students need an accessible game that will not only make learning interesting but
also help them to reform skills that they can be utilized in everyday life.
The Universal design approach is used in game design to make these games
accessible for the people with and without vision. This research aims to provide
primary and secondary school students with a new learning media, keeping up with
the technology that will transform their learning experience in a completely new
and interactive manner through games that specifically combine play, motivation,
flow, and learning. Why just a game? So to create a rich learning environment that
will allow interactive and exploratory learning. These inclusive games will also help
blind children to connect with their non-visually impaired peers. Along with
engaging in learning and developing skills, this will also shape their character and
personality.
