Short answer
Prioritize accessibility from the outset of serious game design by systematically applying and testing against established guidelines like WCAG 2.1, and consider user feedback from individuals with disabilities.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Applied Sciences (2020)
- Method
- Combined evaluation method (Heuristic Evaluation & User Testing)
- Sample
- 82 serious games
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Applying a combined evaluation method based on WCAG 2.1 significantly improves the accessibility of serious games, broadening their reach to a wider user base. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Applied Sciences. Using Combined evaluation method (heuristic evaluation & user testing) with 82 serious games, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize accessibility from the outset of serious game design by systematically applying and testing against established guidelines like WCAG 2.1, and consider user feedback from individuals with disabilities.
WCAG 2.1 Guidelines Enhance Serious Game Accessibility for Diverse Users
Applying a combined evaluation method based on WCAG 2.1 significantly improves the accessibility of serious games, broadening their reach to a wider user base.
Applied Sciences · 2020
Key Findings
- 01A combined evaluation method is effective in identifying accessibility barriers in serious games.
- 02WCAG 2.1 provides a robust framework for assessing serious game accessibility.
- 03There is a need for further development of accessibility heuristics specifically tailored for serious games.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize accessibility from the outset of serious game design by systematically applying and testing against established guidelines like WCAG 2.1, and consider user feedback from individuals with disabilities.
How to apply
When designing or evaluating any digital product intended for learning or training, use WCAG 2.1 as a baseline for accessibility and consider how different user groups might interact with the product.
Project actions
- 01When evaluating a digital product, use established accessibility guidelines like WCAG 2.1.
- 02Consider involving users with diverse needs in your testing phase to uncover real-world usability issues.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Utilizes a recognized standard (WCAG 2.1).
- +Employs a combined evaluation approach for a more comprehensive assessment.
Limitations
It can be challenging to recruit a representative sample of users with specific disabilities for testing. Also, fully implementing all WCAG 2.1 criteria can be resource-intensive.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the heuristic evaluation depends on the consistency of the evaluators and the clarity of the WCAG 2.1 criteria. Validity is enhanced by the combined approach, especially if user testing with diverse participants is included, as it grounds the findings in real-world usability.
Think critically
To what extent can WCAG 2.1 alone guarantee true accessibility for all users, or are domain-specific heuristics and extensive user testing with diverse populations indispensable?
Design Principles
"Inclusive design requires proactive integration of accessibility standards and user-centered evaluation throughout the product lifecycle."
Ensuring serious games are accessible is crucial for their effectiveness as educational tools. By adhering to established accessibility standards, designers can create more inclusive learning experiences that cater to individuals with diverse needs and abilities, maximizing the impact and reach of these innovative resources.
What This Means for Your Design
This study shows that using a checklist of web accessibility rules (WCAG 2.1) and testing games with people who have different needs helps make educational games easier for everyone to use.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when justifying the use of accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG 2.1) in your design process or evaluation.
- 2.Use the findings to support the importance of user testing with diverse groups for your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the critical role of established accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, in ensuring that digital learning tools, like serious games, are usable by a diverse range of individuals. The study's combined evaluation method underscores the value of systematically assessing products against these guidelines and the necessity of user feedback from individuals with varying abilities to identify and address potential barriers, ultimately leading to more inclusive and effective design outcomes.
Source
Applied Sciences
Combined Method for Evaluating Accessibility in Serious Games
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about wcag 2.1 guidelines enhance serious game accessibility for diverse users?
- Prioritize accessibility from the outset of serious game design by systematically applying and testing against established guidelines like WCAG 2.1, and consider user feedback from individuals with disabilities. Evidence: Applied Sciences (2020).
- Why does "WCAG 2.1 Guidelines Enhance Serious Game Accessibility for Diverse Users" matter for design?
- Ensuring serious games are accessible is crucial for their effectiveness as educational tools. By adhering to established accessibility standards, designers can create more inclusive learning experiences that cater to individuals with diverse needs and abilities, maximizing the impact and reach of these innovative resources.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize accessibility from the outset of serious game design by systematically applying and testing against established guidelines like WCAG 2.1, and consider user feedback from individuals with disabilities.
- What were the main findings?
- A combined evaluation method is effective in identifying accessibility barriers in serious games.. WCAG 2.1 provides a robust framework for assessing serious game accessibility.. There is a need for further development of accessibility heuristics specifically tailored for serious games.
- What research method was used?
- Combined evaluation method (Heuristic Evaluation & User Testing) with 82 serious games.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2020 journal from Applied Sciences.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing or evaluating any digital product intended for learning or training, use WCAG 2.1 as a baseline for accessibility and consider how different user groups might interact with the product.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on a specific set of serious games; findings may vary for games in different domains or with different development approaches. The specific user testing component and its scope are not fully detailed.