Game design for visually-impaired individuals: Creativity and innovation theories and sensory substitution devices influence on virtual and physical navigation skills

Abstract

This action research study examined the design elements of three VR games that used an HTC VIVE VR helmet, two HTC game controllers, and a VR horse simulator for functionality and transferability to orientation and mobility (O&M) education for visually impaired individuals. The functionality of the VR games was tested with a visually-impaired individual based upon five characteristics that are important to O&M education: perimeter scanning then grid scanning, hearing, touch, smell, and perceptions of body positions. The horse simulator has potential benefits for proprioception and kinesthesia development. The inconsistent haptic feedback requires redesign consideration for inclusion within VR games and systems for O&M education of visually impaired individuals.

Human rights and visual impairment

“…However, the UDL principles can also inform the ways in which open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) provision is designed and implemented. A useful exploration of this issue with respect to the design of Massive Open Online Courses is provided by Ngubane-Mokiwa (2016), whilst Baker, Ramos and Turner (2019) explore some of the possibilities and challenges of virtual reality games. It seems clear that, as with classroom practices, appropriate use of appropriate technologies in the ODeL context, requires conscious thought and preparation for how diverse learners will access and engage with, and then produce evidence of learning.…”

Spatial Competence and Brain Plasticity in Congenital Blindness via Sensory Substitution Devices

“…In order for SSDs to become widespread there is a need to move experiments from the laboratory setting ( Elli et al, 2014 ; Maidenbaum et al, 2014a ) to real environments. Also, it would be useful to take advantage of virtual reality to train people with SSDs ( Kupers et al, 2010b ; Chebat et al, 2015 ; Baker et al, 2019 ; Netzer et al, 2019 ; Yazzolino et al, 2019 ; Siu et al, 2020 ) and explore their ability to transfer spatial knowledge between real and virtual environments ( Chebat et al, 2017 ; Guerreiro et al, 2020 ). Given that these devices are totally non-invasive compared to other highly invasive techniques like surgical implants (retinal or cortical), efforts should be pursued in developing high quality SSDs that will improve the quality of life of the blind.…”