Help with Dissertation: Echolocation in a training game.
Hello ladies and gentlemen.
I'm currently a 3rd year at the University of Huddersfield in the U.K. studying Computer Games Design. We have free reign on what we choose to base our dissertation on, and after doing some research, I decided to concentrate on the ability of echolocation, and creating a training game of sorts to help a blind/partially blind person develop this ability.
If you wouldn't mind, could you guys answer some questions for me, as it would really help with my research?
1. Do you know of any games or pieces of training software that already do what I'm hoping to accomplish?
2. What sort of colours are easier for a partially blind person to see, or does it differ from person to person? Would it be better to have the option to change colours of the shapes and surroundings in my game?
These questions are mainly for people who can use echolocation, but if anyone has any answers to give, then please do.
1. I apologise for sounding dim, but could you describe to me what you 'see' when you use echolocation?
2. How did you start using echolocation?
3. How did you develop your ability to use it?
4. Do you think a piece of training software or a game could or would help you?
5. What would be the ideal way to help you develop your use of echolocation, if you were creating my game for example?
I know this may not be the largest list of questions in the world, so I may come back as my research continues to ask more questions.
Also, I may use some of the answers that you give in my dissertation as quotes; if you don't want me to, then please say and I wont!
Thank you to anybody that is able to give me some help!
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Sounds fascinating. Afraid I don't have much of use to contribute to this but will follow with interest.
Will also put a call out on Twitter...
James Coltham - Local gov web manager by day, web and accessibility blogger at lunchtime, freelancer by night. Tweets at @prettysimple.
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Did you manage to find any contacts for echolocation? I'm doing a Masters in Radio, and am keen to do an audio documentary on the subject. I'd ideally like to speak to people that use echolocation, and those that teach it.
Any advice on who to contact would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Phil
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I know this topic has been around for a long time and you are probably finished your dissertation by now, but hopefully this is still of interest to you.
I've been working on learning echolocation for some time now. Although I am sighted, I have a deep appreciation for the awareness that echolocation can offer and am blown away by the level of perception that many blind people have. This is a skill that can be learned by anyone, and in some cases, give them a new lease on life.
I've been working on writing, what I believe to be, the first book on the subject which includes information about what echolocation is, examples of how it is used, and how you can start learning and training in your own life. I also have a blog that I have been documenting all of my progress on and if you are interested in learning more please visit: http://learnecholocation.blogspot.com
Best of luck to you!
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