University News Last updated 29 January
Disabled developers will be able to use voice control and other innovations to take full advantage of employment opportunities in the 3D graphics and gaming industry thanks to technology developed by Birmingham City University (BCU).
With the assistance of an Epic MegaGrant from Epic Games, the University has created software that aims to help people with physical impairments launch and progress careers in the sector.
The project is led by Dr Chris Creed, Professor of Human-Computer Interaction, and Dr Carlo Harvey, Professor in the College of Computing at BCU.
Professor Creed said: “Disabled users are often excluded from careers within 3D design and development because they can experience significant challenges in using traditional devices such as a mouse, keyboard, stylus, or touch.
“Unfortunately, software developers often aren’t aware of these challenges or may not see accessibility as a priority due to competing demands.
“So rather than considering all audience needs from the start, there can be a tendency to bolt accessibility features on afterwards. Not only can this give disabled users a bad experience, it’s also morally wrong.”
The software will be made freely available to all Unreal Engine users in the first half of 2025.
According to disability charity Scope, there are 16 million disabled people in the UK, 23% of whom are working age. The disability employment gap is a staggering 29% – with just 53% of disabled people in employment compared with 82% non-disabled people.
“Accessibility challenges within software and across the web has created a digital divide,” added Professor Creed, who leads BCU’s Human-Computer Interaction research group.
“With the support from the Epic MegaGrant, we’re beginning to bridge this divide by creating inclusive technology that will provide opportunities to address the disability employment gap moving forward.
“If we don’t act now, the people who could benefit most from technology will continue to be excluded and have their opportunities limited, both in their careers and personal lives.”
Dr Creed and Dr Harvey led development of the accessible extension, which uses a combination of voice control and mechanical switches to operate the software.
The software, which is currently in the testing and user evaluation phase, will be released as an open-source extension, which means developers can build on the software to continue to increase accessibility for Unreal Engine users with physical impairments.
The research demonstrates how BCU is creating knowledge that positively impacts people, communities, and industries – a key pillar of the University’s new 2030 strategy.
“People with physical impairments will soon be able to participate in the 3D graphics and games community, opening up new creative and employment opportunities,” said Professor Harvey.
“When you have fresh perspectives, you have fresh ideas and designs that can be revolutionary. I’m excited to see the positive impact this will have for the future of the industry, too.
“It’s also great news for experienced professional designers and developers who may have acquired physical impairments later in life, to keep them creating and innovating.”
The project recently received industry recognition at the prestigious TIGA Games Education Awards, where it received an award for ‘Excellence in Games Research’.