Virtually shopping

Game centres in supermarkets to help the disabled.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates in the US have led a video game development team of students to create an interactive game simulation based on their local supermarket to help people with disabilities develop life skills and increase their level of autonomy.

The CapAbility Games Research Project aims to develop a game that specifically addresses the needs of the supermarket’s consumers. The students worked in collaboration with the Adult Services Division of the Center for Disability Services in Albany, USA, to do this.

‘Capable Shopper’ simulates a shopping trip at a Price Chopper store where players can manoeuvre through its virtual aisles using a special joystick or head mouse depending on the individual’s mobility. The game is based on an actual blueprint of a Price Chopper.

Virtual shopping

The game uses on two monitors: one set up directly in front of the player and the other set up to their left displays a virtual shopping list. Users start the game by selecting a meal they’d like to make, such as a spaghetti dinner, and then game is complete when they have found all the items that would appear on the list.

“By creating this simulated learning environment, our students have given individuals with disabilities an engaging way to learn skills directly related to independence in their daily lives. Beyond that, they’ve gotten them excited about engaging with the real world,” said Kathleen Ruiz, associate professor of electronic arts at Rensselaer, and faculty leader of the CapAbility Research Project.

“Games like ‘Capable Shopper’ illustrate the potential for new gaming genres such as serious games that combine the strengths of interactivity with multimedia to provide engaging simulations in communication, education, and artistic expression, among others.”

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