I came across this image in an article by 99U. This is a screenshot of the mobile game Dots. The objective of the game is to connect as many of the same colored dots within sixty seconds. The score total is based on the number of dots that get eliminated by the connections made. The dots board is continuously revealing new dots as dots are getting eliminated by the player. In addition to beautiful game graphics (primary colors and simplistic designs), the game designers were able to incorporate a game-mode made specifically for color blind people. In order for color blind people to play a game that is based on one’s vision of colors, the designers decided to put symbols on each color. By pairing each color with a symbol, people with a color blind disability are able to match the dots based on the shared symbols. Although it is harder to search and connect symbols rather than using colors, it is an amazing feature that made the game inclusive to a broader community.
The use of the symbols on the dots was the best solution. It welcomed the color blind community to the game experience, as well as matched the game aesthetics. The designers did not attempt to fix the disabled people. They worked on and revised the game. In addition, the game on color blind mode is still playable for those that are not color blind. This is very important. It means that two friends (One being color blind and one not) can share the game experience together at the same time.
After reading and learning about this wonderful design, I started to believe that it is possible to create designs that will always be inclusive of disabled people. Great examples of this are street signs and other standard signs within or on buildings. These necessary signs must adhere to everyone, but I think that graphic designers can go further. I’d love to see all magazines, advertisements, posters, and artworks made to be read or viewed by the disabled community.
