Start Date
6-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
8-10-2025 7:00 PM
Description
This paper presents a comprehensive study on the design, development, and evaluation of a multi-sensory board game, named Ezam, to bridge the participation gap between visually impaired and abled players. Using a user-centered, participatory design approach, the project integrates tactile, auditory, and spatial cues within a service-design framework to ensure a holistic, equitable gaming experience. The design process was informed by a market analysis of existing accessible board games and co-design sessions with over 50 visually impaired and sighted stakeholders across educational and community settings in India, and refined through iterative prototyping and rigorous user testing. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations indicate significant improvements in usability and engagement, while pinpointing areas for further refinement. This study advances inclusive design by (1) positioning physical games as service experiences, (2) illustrating how multi-sensory mechanics foster equity among visually diverse players, and (3) offering participatory strategies and design guidelines for accessible, multi-sensory board games.
Citation
Golechha, C., Patni, S., Garg, S.P.,and Bhattacharjee, A.(2025) Lessons Learned in Inclusive Game Design: Bridging the Gaps for Visually Diverse Players.. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/servdes/servdes2025/researchpapers/16
Lessons Learned in Inclusive Game Design: Bridging the Gaps for Visually Diverse Players
This paper presents a comprehensive study on the design, development, and evaluation of a multi-sensory board game, named Ezam, to bridge the participation gap between visually impaired and abled players. Using a user-centered, participatory design approach, the project integrates tactile, auditory, and spatial cues within a service-design framework to ensure a holistic, equitable gaming experience. The design process was informed by a market analysis of existing accessible board games and co-design sessions with over 50 visually impaired and sighted stakeholders across educational and community settings in India, and refined through iterative prototyping and rigorous user testing. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations indicate significant improvements in usability and engagement, while pinpointing areas for further refinement. This study advances inclusive design by (1) positioning physical games as service experiences, (2) illustrating how multi-sensory mechanics foster equity among visually diverse players, and (3) offering participatory strategies and design guidelines for accessible, multi-sensory board games.