Guidance
Voice-Controlled Accessibility
Overview
A completely hands-free, high-contrast maze runner engineered specifically for my grandmother. It is controlled entirely by speaking directional commands in native Nepali.
Development
The theme was "Gift." A recent heart attack had left my grandmother partially paralyzed on her left side, rendering traditional controllers useless. The challenge wasn't just mechanical; it was deeply personal. I had to rip out the concept of physical input entirely to build a medium she could command with her voice.
Key Mechanics
- Vocal Architecture: Weaponized Unity's KeywordRecognizer API to process audio input and execute movement in real-time.
- Native Command Structure: Controls strictly mapped to spoken Nepali: Daaya (Right), Baaya (Left), Mathi (Up), Taala (Down).
Post-Mortem
The Blood: It worked. Watching her realize the digital space was obeying her voice was a profound success in alternative input design.
The Realization: Games are not just disposable amusement. They are therapeutic mediums, rehabilitation protocols, and powerful architectural tools for accessibility. Design is problem-solving.