The User Relationship
Mark Schlichting · 2019
One of the best ways to invite participation is with an interface agent, a game-related character who talks directly to the user. If the interface is well designed, the computer activity becomes an extension of the user, and the child becomes deeply engaged. When this happens, the user becomes part of a relationship in which all the pieces, digital and human, work together. Designers need to employ a combination of special considerations to empower users. Different abilities require different design considerations. With motor skills impairments, design factors may include the size and placement of buttons or modes of input. Designers with a desire to create inclusive applications should consider adding visual cues. Computer games might not be the most obvious tool to consider using with special needs kids, but good design can help all kids to free their creative and emotional potential. Computers are good at being patient; they can wait almost endlessly for game designers to click or tap.