Welcome, My Name Is Litzy
Explore a portfolio dedicated to user-centric experiences with a strong focus on accessibility. Litzy is a UX researcher based in Austin, TX who creates and promotes accessibility through research and mentorship
Empowering Through Accessibility With UX
Showcasing experiences that prioritize user accessibility, ensuring that every user can engage with digital experiences seamlessly and effectively.
User-Centric Design
Projects emphasizing inclusive and accessible design principles.
Inclusive Solutions
Music streaming Chatbot function catering to diverse user needs with voice to text
Accessibility Focused Design
Redesign for inclusion in gaming
User-Centric Design Approach
There are preexisting foundations and non-profits leading the way in gaming accessibility. From controls to color palette setting options in-game, there are several possibilities to encourage customization of tools for the individual. Individual’s abilities including mobility, sight, and on the spectrum comprehension can be accounted for in the design of gaming controls and accessibility keys.
Methodologies & Approach
Initiatives include The Playability Initiative and Inclusion Hub. There are preexisting Game Accessibility Guidelines to enhance the gaming experience for the general population and those seeking accessibility within gaming to suit their individual needs and preferences. Players with cognitive and motor disabilities also benefit from accessible video games, through organizations such as Special Effect. The UK-based nonprofit strives to build an inclusive community and optimize quality of life by helping everyone play video games. Manny Wooden, a quadriplegic gamer & online FPS fan shared her experience on the Guidelines,
“When my injury happened, I got extremely depressed. Because I had no finger movement, I figured there was nothing I could really do any more. Eventually I found help to mod a controller. Thanks to remapping options I’ve been gaming ever since.”
Incorporating customizable controls allows individuals with motor impairments to tailor the game's interface to their specific needs. The option to change keybindings, adjust sensitivity, or use alternative input devices allows players to play comfortably and independently. Further data was collected though use of surveys to better understand the percentage of players that were aware of their preferred gaming platform’s accessibility customizations and features and how frequently they utilize them.
The Question
How Might We Create a Navigation Menu for gaming platforms that have increased accessibility options?
Findings
Game Accessibility Guidelines apply to all games with introductory levels ranging from Basic, to Intermediate and Advanced. Surveys indicate that a high percentage of players are not aware of their game accessibility features and that there is not a high awareness of accessibility as a concept. By creating a case study, awareness of accessibility in gaming at the local level will be increased. There is an opportunity to reach those that will benefit from these additional customizable features.
Meet Billie
Billie is an AI Chat function on a music streaming platform that allows shortcuts for more seamless navigation
User-Centric Voice Interface
When a voice user interface is added to the employee portal, messaging and navigation to resources such as events and articles become easier without needing to interact physically with the keyboard, adding the option to be hands-free.
The Billie experience is conversational in nature with easy to understand dialogue. By creating the Billie persona, the music steaming platform benefits from a more personal connection.
Navigation
The Billie virtual assistant component on the Spotify desktop employee portal was expanded by adding speech-to-text for ease of use with website navigation.
Take the time to consider how you could incorporate accessibility needs into your design to create seamless experiences
