Unseen: Advancing Digital Accessibility with Binaural Audio Technology in an Immersive Gaming Prototype

Claudia Susie C. Rodrigues; Vitoria Nazareth; Ramon O. Azevedo; Priscyla Barbosa; Cláudia Werner

doi:10.5753/jis.2025.4439

Authors

Claudia Susie C. Rodrigues Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4238-8061
Vitoria Nazareth Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7108-0832
Ramon O. Azevedo Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2455-2497
Priscyla Barbosa Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1101-1533
Cláudia Werner Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4231-9621

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5753/jis.2025.4439

Keywords:

Virtual Reality, Binaural audio, Accessibility, Visual impairment

Abstract

The growing significance of accessibility, particularly in the realm of disability rights, is unmistakable. "Unseen" emerges as a prototype leveraging binaural audio technology to craft an immersive 3D gaming experience, placing a paramount focus on promoting accessibility and digital inclusion. Its primary objective is to deliver a immersive audiogaming encounter, catering to both sighted gamers and individuals with visual impairments. Through a comprehensive evaluation of the prototype, the efficacy of its audiogame interactions and mechanisms was assessed. Valuable insights gleaned from laboratory tests not only pinpointed areas for game enhancement but also shed light on elements that fostered user satisfaction and motivation. These research results notably exemplify promoting digital accessibility in gaming, particularly through the utilization of binaural audio, and the active engagement of individuals with visual impairments in the virtual environment.

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