A Deaf Gamer's Review

I recently came across a video game review, that was making the rounds on Twitter. It read:

"Thank you, you have no idea how much it means to me being able to see my kids words on screen as they talk into a mic. I only wish other games helped me out a little. But SEEING "RUN mom a spiders chasing you" made me feel included, even though I died."

I really love this feedback, because it's a wonderful example of what it can mean for people, when technology is done right. And it serves as a reminder that certain features (such as haptics in video games and in mobile applications) are massively important. Human-computer interaction design starts with empathy, and it demands a level of meticulousness that (I believe) can only be taught to a certain point.

When you build with disabled and neurodivergent groups in mind, there is always a net-positive; because such features extend beyond the primary communities who would benefit. And quite often, the nature of technology is that it can have a myriad of applications. Humans are smart, and inventive.

On a philosophical level, creating immersive experiences is an exploration into the various ways that humans communicate and feel.

And I believe that accessibility sits at the heart of this. So there's a moral imperative in such efforts; but there's also an opportunity to form deeper connections with your users. Immersive experiences are not simply limited to the technology itself — as humans are creatures of intimacy, and we want to exist in a world where we feel seen and included.

As someone with ADHD, I’m finding that the positive side of my own hypersensitivity, is that I really like to ‘feel’ things. It's such a delightful experience for me, when I'm able to physically feel interactions in an app or video game.

Image: Sebastian Curi