New inclusive technology has been developed by Birmingham City University (BCU) to transform career opportunities in 3D graphics and gaming for disabled developers.
With the assistance of an Epic MegaGrant from Epic Games, the university has created voice control and other innovative software to help people with physical impairments launch and progress careers in the sector.
“Disabled users are often excluded from careers within 3D design and development because they can experience significant challenges in using traditional devices such as a mouse, keyboard, stylus, or touch,” said Dr Chris Creed, Professor of BCU’s Human-Computer Interaction research group and co-lead with Dr Carlo Harvey on the project.
“Unfortunately, software developers often aren’t aware of these challenges or may not see accessibility as a priority due to competing demands.
“So rather than considering all audience needs from the start, there can be a tendency to bolt accessibility features on afterwards. Not only can this give disabled users a bad experience, it’s also morally wrong.”
According to disability charity Scope, there are 16 million disabled people in the UK, 23% of whom are working age. The disability employment gap is a staggering 29% – with just 53% of disabled people in employment compared with 82% non-disabled people.
“Accessibility challenges within software and across the web has created a digital divide,” added Professor Creed.
“With the support from the Epic MegaGrant, we’re beginning to bridge this divide by creating inclusive technology that will provide opportunities to address the disability employment gap moving forward.
“If we don’t act now, the people who could benefit most from technology will continue to be excluded and have their opportunities limited, both in their careers and personal lives.”
The software, which is currently in the testing and user evaluation phase, will be released as an open-source extension, which means developers can build on the software to continue to increase accessibility for Unreal Engine users with physical impairments.
“People with physical impairments will soon be able to participate in the 3D graphics and games community, opening up new creative and employment opportunities,” said Professor Harvey.
“When you have fresh perspectives, you have fresh ideas and designs that can be revolutionary. I’m excited to see the positive impact this will have for the future of the industry, too.
“It’s also great news for experienced professional designers and developers who may have acquired physical impairments later in life, to keep them creating and innovating.”
The project recently received industry recognition at the prestigious TIGA Games Education Awards, where it received an award for ‘Excellence in Games Research’.