A musical video game to help children with autism learn and relax has been unveiled to the public at the Abertay digital graduate show.
Abertay creative sound production student John Steven built the game, which is designed to help autistic children learn about colour and shape recognition while helping keep them calm and focused.
The game works in a similar way to popular musical titles like Guitar Hero different coloured shapes appear on screen, prompting the child to press a matching key.
Mr Steven said, “There’s very little available in terms of interactive games for children with autism, which is a huge shame.
“By bringing together shape and colour learning with relaxing music and interactive play, I hope this project can make a real difference.”
The project has been developed with the support of Seonaid Birse and Maggie Powell, music teachers at Kingspark School.
Ms Birse said, “The combination of the visual impact and the use of sound is very effective for working with children with autism. There’s a sense of control for the pupil, which they may find difficult to achieve in a normal learning environment.”
Ms Powell said, “John’s game really promotes positive learning and a sense of progression for children on the autistic spectrum.
“It’s also great that the game could be used at home or in the classroom.”
Mr Steven is now working with the school to develop his game further, and is looking to work with a commercial partner to expand the game and build a dedicated controller.
This game is just one of the projects on show at the Abertay digital graduate show, which features more students and more courses than ever before.
The show is open to the public in the Kydd Building and on the top floor of the Student Centre at Abertay University from 9.30am”“5pm on Mondays”“Fridays until June 3, and on the top floor of the Student Centre.