Flying colors: Using color blindness simulations in the development of accessible mobile games

• Mateus Pinheiro UFC
• Windson Viana UFC
• Rossana M. C. Andrade UFC
• Ticianne Darin UFC

Abstract

Video games are an important part of modern culture, particularly after the popularization of mobile devices, and should, therefore, be accessible to all people. However, even with the advancement of mobile accessibility, players with visual disabilities still face barriers due to the inherent focus of games on visual stimuli. In this context, color blind players are affected by how colors are used in the interfaces, especially when these colors are the basis for essential game mechanics. Some challenging aspects are the limited availability of color blind test subjects and the importance to identify and consider accessibility threats even in the early stages of development. Thus, digital simulations emerge as possible assets to increase accessibility and awareness. In order to assess the impact of using color blindness simulations during the process of developing mobile games, this work presents an experiment using simulations in two platforms - desktop and augmented reality - on the development of a real mobile game. Results show that the use of simulations can help designers and developers, even those with low interface evaluation experience, not only to find problematic areas on the interface but also to adapt and create accessible mechanics on the main gameplay. Further, it increases awareness contributing for a more inclusive game industry. We also discuss the particularities of different types of simulation and how they can possibly be integrated to a game development process.

Keywords: accessibility, color blindness, games, mobile