RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
Thanks Glen - that is really useful advice and links. You are spot on with regards the reason for using Flash 6 and I totally agree about the need for them to upgrade especially when they are worried about accessibility and security issues. Thank you to everyone else - I agree about the need to getting the accessibility details in the contract. I think they just added that one line to the brief without really considering what it meant. Many thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Glen Pike Sent: 20 April 2009 21:16 To: Flash Coders List Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game Hi, UK DDA has not been fully tested yet with websites, but the emphasis is on encouraging people to implement good practice. Niqui Merret has done some good practical stuff about accessibility - I went to a session at FOTB 2007 which is fairly ageless as it discussed approaches rather than technology. http://niquimerret.com/ has various articles and links. If the accessibility bit is an addition to the spec' / agreed contract, you will need to sit down with the client and make sure that you agree on any extra charges / what's not included, etc. If the client makes you jump through too many hoops for this it could get annoying and damage your relationship, so be up front with them. I think one idea would be to identify the visitors who may have different needs when accessing your game, etc. As it is a game, it may not be possible to accommodate all user types, but with some careful planning you can cover a lot of bases and then tell the visitors what you have done to address the needs of everyone. I am not sure why the requirements of FP6 are essential - my guess is that you are stuck doing some government / civil service contract, but you may need to carefully look at the tools provided for helping you create more accessible content in later versions of Flash and possibly argue your case here. (IMHO, It's high time the IT departments of many of these org's pull their fingers out anyway as far as upgrading is concerned.) There are quite a few resources to do with UK guidelines for websites, which I would look at interpreting carefully for games, here are some of my web ones collected over time...: http://www.w3.org/TR/WAI-WEBCONTENT/ http://www.w3.org/WAI/ http://www.uiaccess.com/dda-uk.html http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/code/public_rnib008789 .hcsp http://www.publicsectorforums.co.uk/page.cfm?LANGUAGE=engpageID=1701lowres =true http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/full-checklist.html http://www.w3.org/WAI/wcag-curric/int1-0.htm http://www.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/jaws-downloads.asp http://www.hobo-web.co.uk/design.htm Anyway, that's a start, but remember it's about usability accessiblity not just doing a high contrast colour scheme for partially sited people :) Hope this helps a bit. Glen Paul Steven wrote: Thanks - I am not sure why they specified international as the game is aimed at the UK only. Whatever the region, can anyone give me a quick summary of what elements of a flash (flash player 6) game, one can affect with regards accessibility? Does this relate primarily to any textual content? Thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews Sent: 20 April 2009 18:24 To: Flash Coders List Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game - Original Message - From: Kerry Thompson al...@cyberiantiger.biz To: 'Flash Coders List' flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 6:05 PM Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game Paul Steven wrote: I am making a game and have been asked by the client to ensure The game should meet all international accessibility requirements Ack!! All international accessibility requirements? Your client is out of his mind. How can you possibly know, much less meet, so broad, varied, and sometimes contradictory a set of standards? Even in the U.S., you can meet federal standards, but fail to meet some state requirements. I would go back to the client and choose a country that has a well-defined set of requirements, and meet those. Hopefully, the country you live in has a reasonably clear set of requirements. Most of the G-20 countries do. I think I'd ask the client to specify the standards they want supported. Paul Cordially, Kerry Thompson ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
[Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
I am making a game and have been asked by the client to ensure The game should meet all international accessibility requirements The game will be delivered online and is being created in Flash CS2 however it needs to be published for Flash Player 6. Can anyone advise me on what steps I need to take to make the game accessible. I have never been asked to do this before. Many thanks Paul ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
asked by the client to ensure The game should meet all international accessibility requirements International Accessibility Requirements - never heard of those, though I do not doubt they exist. I have heard of ADA and section 508 requirements in the U.S. Can you get more clarification on that? International accessibility could mean a lot of things, including language translation. Usually accessibility here in the U.S. means providing alt text for visuals (photos, video), sound for speech, keyboard navigation, careful use of color to convey information, etc. etc. Jason Merrill Bank of America Global Learning Shared Services Solutions Development Monthly meetings on the Adobe Flash platform for rich media experiences - join the Bank of America Flash Platform Community ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
Paul Steven wrote: I am making a game and have been asked by the client to ensure The game should meet all international accessibility requirements Ack!! All international accessibility requirements? Your client is out of his mind. How can you possibly know, much less meet, so broad, varied, and sometimes contradictory a set of standards? Even in the U.S., you can meet federal standards, but fail to meet some state requirements. I would go back to the client and choose a country that has a well-defined set of requirements, and meet those. Hopefully, the country you live in has a reasonably clear set of requirements. Most of the G-20 countries do. Cordially, Kerry Thompson ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
Re: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
- Original Message - From: Kerry Thompson al...@cyberiantiger.biz To: 'Flash Coders List' flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 6:05 PM Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game Paul Steven wrote: I am making a game and have been asked by the client to ensure The game should meet all international accessibility requirements Ack!! All international accessibility requirements? Your client is out of his mind. How can you possibly know, much less meet, so broad, varied, and sometimes contradictory a set of standards? Even in the U.S., you can meet federal standards, but fail to meet some state requirements. I would go back to the client and choose a country that has a well-defined set of requirements, and meet those. Hopefully, the country you live in has a reasonably clear set of requirements. Most of the G-20 countries do. I think I'd ask the client to specify the standards they want supported. Paul Cordially, Kerry Thompson ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
Thanks - I am not sure why they specified international as the game is aimed at the UK only. Whatever the region, can anyone give me a quick summary of what elements of a flash (flash player 6) game, one can affect with regards accessibility? Does this relate primarily to any textual content? Thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews Sent: 20 April 2009 18:24 To: Flash Coders List Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game - Original Message - From: Kerry Thompson al...@cyberiantiger.biz To: 'Flash Coders List' flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 6:05 PM Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game Paul Steven wrote: I am making a game and have been asked by the client to ensure The game should meet all international accessibility requirements Ack!! All international accessibility requirements? Your client is out of his mind. How can you possibly know, much less meet, so broad, varied, and sometimes contradictory a set of standards? Even in the U.S., you can meet federal standards, but fail to meet some state requirements. I would go back to the client and choose a country that has a well-defined set of requirements, and meet those. Hopefully, the country you live in has a reasonably clear set of requirements. Most of the G-20 countries do. I think I'd ask the client to specify the standards they want supported. Paul Cordially, Kerry Thompson ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
Yeah, I think you will definitely need to get clarification from your client on exactly what they mean when they are referring to accessibility, because even if its general accessibility for those with disabilities, you're still going to have limitations due to the nature of your game. Jason Merrill Bank of America Global Learning Shared Services Solutions Development Monthly meetings on the Adobe Flash platform for rich media experiences - join the Bank of America Flash Platform Community ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
Re: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
One element I can think of is to make sure your game is playable by color-blind folks. If you're making any kind of game where you have to match groups of similarly-colored objects, for instance, make sure that there's a way to tell these objects apart other than by color. (The gems in Bejeweled, for instance all have different shapes.) Either that, or make sure the saturation of these colors is different enough that you can still tell them apart even if you're color blind. (One trick I've seen is to take a screenshot of your game, stick it in Photoshop, turn it grayscale, and see if you can still tell your objects apart.) I've also encountered a few games that have a color-blind mode option. Turning this mode on replaces your nicely-colored stones with stones that have patterns on top of them. That's also another option you could try. All of this is assuming, of course, that you have a game where telling colors apart matters. --T On Mon, Apr 20, 2009 at 11:26 AM, Paul Steven paul_ste...@btinternet.comwrote: Thanks - I am not sure why they specified international as the game is aimed at the UK only. Whatever the region, can anyone give me a quick summary of what elements of a flash (flash player 6) game, one can affect with regards accessibility? Does this relate primarily to any textual content? Thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews Sent: 20 April 2009 18:24 To: Flash Coders List Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game - Original Message - From: Kerry Thompson al...@cyberiantiger.biz To: 'Flash Coders List' flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 6:05 PM Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game Paul Steven wrote: I am making a game and have been asked by the client to ensure The game should meet all international accessibility requirements Ack!! All international accessibility requirements? Your client is out of his mind. How can you possibly know, much less meet, so broad, varied, and sometimes contradictory a set of standards? Even in the U.S., you can meet federal standards, but fail to meet some state requirements. I would go back to the client and choose a country that has a well-defined set of requirements, and meet those. Hopefully, the country you live in has a reasonably clear set of requirements. Most of the G-20 countries do. I think I'd ask the client to specify the standards they want supported. Paul Cordially, Kerry Thompson ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
Thanks Jason I was assuming they probably were referring to alt text for visuals, keyboard navigation etc. I would imagine a mouse controlled arcade style game would have limited scope for making it accessibility to those with visual impairment due to the nature of the gameplay - I may be wrong though as I have never explored this area. It is an interesting question and I will need to see if there are any legal requirements even for a game like this. -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Merrill, Jason Sent: 20 April 2009 16:34 To: Flash Coders List Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game asked by the client to ensure The game should meet all international accessibility requirements International Accessibility Requirements - never heard of those, though I do not doubt they exist. I have heard of ADA and section 508 requirements in the U.S. Can you get more clarification on that? International accessibility could mean a lot of things, including language translation. Usually accessibility here in the U.S. means providing alt text for visuals (photos, video), sound for speech, keyboard navigation, careful use of color to convey information, etc. etc. Jason Merrill Bank of America Global Learning Shared Services Solutions Development Monthly meetings on the Adobe Flash platform for rich media experiences - join the Bank of America Flash Platform Community ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
Re: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
Problem is that without clarification, you leave yourself open to We asked you to make it compliant - we insist that this work is completed and ALL relevant standards are met, including and . This could turn into a really major thing. Paul - Original Message - From: Merrill, Jason jason.merr...@bankofamerica.com To: Flash Coders List flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 7:39 PM Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game Yeah, I think you will definitely need to get clarification from your client on exactly what they mean when they are referring to accessibility, because even if its general accessibility for those with disabilities, you're still going to have limitations due to the nature of your game. Jason Merrill Bank of America Global Learning Shared Services Solutions Development Monthly meetings on the Adobe Flash platform for rich media experiences - join the Bank of America Flash Platform Community ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
Paul Andrews wrote: we insist that this work is completed and ALL relevant standards are met, including and . This could turn into a really major thing. That was my reaction, too, though I didn't state it as clearly as Paul just did. Paul's caution applies not only to accessibility, but to any contract. If the work is not defined specifically enough, you could find yourself stuck with a two-year project you though would only take a month. You stand to lose a _LOT_ of money. Don't count on trust or friendship, either. Never put your faith in a client without a clear-cut contract. And friendships have been lost over these sorts of things. I'm not saying to mistrust your clients or friends. Just get the details spelled out in writing. I know, it's impossible to have everything spelled out, but something like this is a huge, blinking neon red flag. Even if you're billing hourly, get it spelled out. Clients will have schedule expectations and budget limitations. It's only fair to them, as well as to yourself, that everybody have a clear picture of the project. Cordially, Kerry Thompson who has been freelancing for 10 years ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
Re: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game
Hi, UK DDA has not been fully tested yet with websites, but the emphasis is on encouraging people to implement good practice. Niqui Merret has done some good practical stuff about accessibility - I went to a session at FOTB 2007 which is fairly ageless as it discussed approaches rather than technology. http://niquimerret.com/ has various articles and links. If the accessibility bit is an addition to the spec' / agreed contract, you will need to sit down with the client and make sure that you agree on any extra charges / what's not included, etc. If the client makes you jump through too many hoops for this it could get annoying and damage your relationship, so be up front with them. I think one idea would be to identify the visitors who may have different needs when accessing your game, etc. As it is a game, it may not be possible to accommodate all user types, but with some careful planning you can cover a lot of bases and then tell the visitors what you have done to address the needs of everyone. I am not sure why the requirements of FP6 are essential - my guess is that you are stuck doing some government / civil service contract, but you may need to carefully look at the tools provided for helping you create more accessible content in later versions of Flash and possibly argue your case here. (IMHO, It's high time the IT departments of many of these org's pull their fingers out anyway as far as upgrading is concerned.) There are quite a few resources to do with UK guidelines for websites, which I would look at interpreting carefully for games, here are some of my web ones collected over time...: http://www.w3.org/TR/WAI-WEBCONTENT/ http://www.w3.org/WAI/ http://www.uiaccess.com/dda-uk.html http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/code/public_rnib008789.hcsp http://www.publicsectorforums.co.uk/page.cfm?LANGUAGE=engpageID=1701lowres=true http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/full-checklist.html http://www.w3.org/WAI/wcag-curric/int1-0.htm http://www.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/jaws-downloads.asp http://www.hobo-web.co.uk/design.htm Anyway, that's a start, but remember it's about usability accessiblity not just doing a high contrast colour scheme for partially sited people :) Hope this helps a bit. Glen Paul Steven wrote: Thanks - I am not sure why they specified international as the game is aimed at the UK only. Whatever the region, can anyone give me a quick summary of what elements of a flash (flash player 6) game, one can affect with regards accessibility? Does this relate primarily to any textual content? Thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews Sent: 20 April 2009 18:24 To: Flash Coders List Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game - Original Message - From: Kerry Thompson al...@cyberiantiger.biz To: 'Flash Coders List' flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 6:05 PM Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Accessibility of a flash game Paul Steven wrote: I am making a game and have been asked by the client to ensure The game should meet all international accessibility requirements Ack!! All international accessibility requirements? Your client is out of his mind. How can you possibly know, much less meet, so broad, varied, and sometimes contradictory a set of standards? Even in the U.S., you can meet federal standards, but fail to meet some state requirements. I would go back to the client and choose a country that has a well-defined set of requirements, and meet those. Hopefully, the country you live in has a reasonably clear set of requirements. Most of the G-20 countries do. I think I'd ask the client to specify the standards they want supported. Paul Cordially, Kerry Thompson ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders -- Glen Pike 01326 218440 www.glenpike.co.uk http://www.glenpike.co.uk ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
