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Accessibility · Case Study

One switch, infinite possibilities

A switch-accessible game library for pre-K children with disabilities, built for hardware classrooms already own.

2nd

of 100+ teams, RESNA

40

weeks, Sept 2024 to June 2025

6

games on one switch

UX ResearchAccessibilityUX/UI
Role
UX research and design lead
Team
Student team
Timeline
40 weeks · Sept 2024 – June 2025
Tools
Figma · FigJam · React Native (Expo)
The game library.
The Favorites screen.
The Settings screen.
The Pop the Balloon game card.
The Sorting Game card.
The Crossy Roads game card.

The problem

One switch stands in for every tap

Children with motor and cognitive disabilities play with one switch. They get 9% fewer play opportunities.

Research

Four methods, one direction

  1. Interviews

    Educators and therapists.

    “It would be incredible to have a variety of games, because no two kids learn the same way.”— Pre-K educator

  2. Field observations

    Children using tablets at playtime.

    Children disengage when a tool is cluttered.

  3. Literature review

    Play, disability, and development.

    Play drives motor and cognitive development.

  4. Market analysis

    Papunet, OneSwitch, and Sensory App House.

    Existing apps are costly, limited, or not iPad compatible.

The approach

One library of switch games

The game library: six games, each with a favorite star.
The library.
The Favorites screen with three starred games.
Favorites.
Settings: high contrast, sound, haptics, switch pairing.
Settings sit behind Guided Access.
The Pop the Balloon game card.
The Sorting Game card.
The Stacking Blocks game card.
The Crossy Roads game card.
The Treasure Hunt game card.
The Music Play game card.

Existing switch games are scattered and each teaches one skill.

The games

Six games, one press

Expert testing

Two expert reviews shaped it

  • Mobility tech researcher · High contrast, accessible text, press duration as a setting.
  • Occupational therapist · Simple games, immediate feedback, locked settings.

Result

Second place at RESNA

Second of 100+ teams. Next: multiplayer, difficulty levels, richer sound and haptics.