Accessibility & Inclusivity

The Brain Dance Game is designed with accessibility and inclusivity as core principles, ensuring the experience is available and beneficial to users with diverse needs, abilities, and backgrounds. These considerations are integrated throughout the design rather than added as afterthoughts.

Accessibility Features

Customizable Settings

Visual Adjustments

• Contrast Levels: Multiple options for visual clarity
• Color Schemes: Alternative palettes for color sensitivity
• Animation Intensity: Adjustable for users with visual processing sensitivities
• Text Size: Scalable text options for readability
• Visual Complexity: Simplified visual mode to reduce potential overwhelm

User Impact:

• Alex: Can reduce visual stimulation when feeling sensitive
• Jamie: Can adjust for specific visual processing needs
• Dr. Taylor: Can customize for clients with various visual sensitivities

Audio Control

• Volume Levels: Separate sliders for music, effects, narration
• Audio Types: Options to mute specific sound categories
• Frequency Range: Adjustments for auditory sensitivities
• Verbal Cues: Optional spoken instructions that can be enabled/disabled
• Sound Effects: Adjustable feedback sounds for movement success

User Impact:

• Alex: Can adjust for specific auditory sensitivities
• Maya: Can use calming music without effects when stressed
• Jamie: Can reduce overwhelming audio elements

Input Sensitivity

• Movement Threshold: Adjustable detection sensitivity
• Success Range: Customizable accuracy requirements
• Feedback Timing: Adjustable delay for processing differences
• Repetition Options: Settings for required movement repetitions

User Impact:

• Alex: Can succeed despite coordination challenges
• Jamie: Can progress at individual developmental pace
• Dr. Taylor: Can calibrate for specific client abilities

Difficulty Levels

• Beginner Mode: Simplified movement patterns with generous success criteria
• Standard Mode: Balanced approach matching typical therapeutic recommendations
• Advanced Mode: Increased precision requirements for skill development
• Custom Mode: Personalized settings for specific therapeutic goals

User Impact:

• Alex: Can start with easier settings and gradually increase challenge
• Maya: Can adjust based on energy levels and focus capacity
• Jamie: Can progress at appropriate developmental pace
• Dr. Taylor: Can tailor to specific therapeutic objectives

Multi-Modal Instructions

• Visual Demonstrations: Clear examples of expected movements
• Written Instructions: Text-based guidance with simple language
• Audio Guidance: Verbal instructions with clear pronunciation
• Symbolic Representation: Labanotation for visual learners
• Slow-Motion Options: Reduced speed demonstrations for complex movements

User Impact:

• Jamie: Benefits from visual representations that match learning style
• Alex: Can review instructions at own pace
• Dr. Taylor: Multiple instruction modes support diverse learning needs

Rest and Pacing

• Break Reminders: Optional prompts for physical and mental rest
• Session Length Options: Adjustable duration for different stamina levels
• Pause Functionality: Easy access to pause during activities
• Resume Options: Ability to continue from where stopped

User Impact:

• Maya: Can fit sessions between classes despite limited time
• Jamie: Can take breaks when feeling overwhelmed
• Alex: Can manage sensory input through controlled session pacing

Design Considerations for Neurodiversity

Predictable Patterns

• Consistent Structure: Same flow across all components
• Clear Transitions: Explicit indicators when moving between sections
• Visual Timelines: Representation of session progress
• Repeated Elements: Familiar interface components throughout

User Impact:

• Alex: Predictability reduces anxiety about what comes next
• Jamie: Consistency helps with transitions between activities
• Dr. Taylor: Structure supports therapeutic progression

Positive Reinforcement

• Non-Punitive Feedback: Focus on achievements rather than mistakes
• Progress Emphasis: Highlighting improvement over absolute performance
• Multiple Success Metrics: Various ways to demonstrate progress
• Celebration Elements: Positive feedback for participation and effort

User Impact:

• Alex: Non-competitive approach reduces performance anxiety
• Maya: Positive reinforcement helps maintain motivation
• Jamie: Builds confidence through consistent encouragement

Non-Competitive Design

• Personal Growth Focus: Emphasis on self-improvement
• Collaborative Options: Non-competitive multiplayer features
• Achievement System: Recognition for personal milestones
• Custom Goals: Self-selected targets and challenges

User Impact:

• Alex: Removes social comparison pressure
• Jamie: Builds confidence without performance anxiety
• Maya: Can focus on personal wellness without competition

Communication Approaches

• Clear Language: Simple, direct instructions
• Visual Supports: Images accompanying text
• Symbolic Communication: Labanotation and universal symbols
• Consistent Terminology: Standard words used throughout

User Impact:

• Jamie: Visual supports enhance understanding
• Alex: Clarity reduces cognitive load
• Dr. Taylor: Consistent terminology aligns with therapeutic language

Elements to Avoid

Based on research and user feedback, the game design deliberately avoids elements that create barriers for neurodivergent users:

Time-Pressured Tasks

• No countdown timers for activities
• Adjustable pacing for all movements
• Focus on quality rather than speed

User Impact:

• Alex: Reduced anxiety about performance speed
• Jamie: Can process instructions at own pace
• Maya: Can engage at varying energy levels

Highly Competitive Mechanics

• No leaderboards comparing users
• No failure states for incomplete movements
• Focus on personal improvement metrics

User Impact:

• Alex: Reduces social comparison anxiety
• Jamie: Builds confidence without competitive pressure
• Dr. Taylor: Aligns with therapeutic best practices

Unclear Instructions

• No ambiguous directives
• Multiple ways to understand expectations
• Clear examples and demonstrations

User Impact:

• Jamie: Clear understanding of expected actions
• Alex: Reduced frustration from misinterpreting instructions
• Dr. Taylor: Supports effective home practice

Forced Social Interactions

• Optional multiplayer features
• Privacy-focused design
• Control over social sharing

User Impact:

• Alex: Can progress to social features at own pace
• Maya: Can choose when to share with roommates
• Jamie: Protected from unwanted social pressure

Diversity & Representation

Inclusive Visual Design

• Diverse Representation: Various body types, ethnicities, and abilities in visual elements
• Gender Neutrality: Non-stereotypical design elements
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respectful incorporation of diverse cultural elements
• Age Representation: Characters across age ranges

User Impact:

• All users see themselves represented in the game environment
• Creates welcoming atmosphere for diverse player base

Language Considerations

• Clear Communication: Straightforward instructions
• Respectful Terminology: Person-first and identity-first language options
• Strength-Based Approach: Focus on abilities rather than deficits
• Non-Clinical Tone: Accessible language while maintaining therapeutic value

User Impact:

• Alex: Feels respected rather than "treated"
• Dr. Taylor: Language aligns with current professional standards
• All users experience dignity-focused approach

User Testing & Feedback

Participatory Design

• Input from neurodivergent consultants throughout development
• IRB-approved testing with target user groups
• Iterative improvements based on user experiences
• Ongoing feedback channels post-release

Current Testing Focus:

• Detection accuracy for diverse movement patterns
• Interface clarity for various cognitive processing styles
• Customization effectiveness for different sensory needs
• Overall engagement and therapeutic benefit

Accessibility Standards Compliance

• ADA digital accessibility guidelines
• WCAG 2.1 principles where applicable
• Specialized game accessibility best practices
• Therapeutic effectiveness standards

RITEC-8 Framework Alignment

The game's accessibility and inclusivity features specifically support the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion dimension of the UNICEF RITEC-8 framework, while also enhancing other dimensions such as Autonomy, Competence, and Safety & Security.

User Impact:

• Alex: Experiences digital inclusion that builds confidence
• Maya: Finds accessible stress management that fits her needs
• Jamie: Receives therapeutic benefit through engaging gameplay
• Dr. Taylor: Can confidently recommend to diverse client populations