Research revealed several sight-related challenges associated with Parkinson’s, which led me to prioritize accessibility in every aspect of the UI. I chose OpenDyslexic as the typeface to ensure optimal readability (Franzen et al., 2019), and the magenta-green color scheme was selected specifically for its effectiveness in supporting individuals with the two most common types of color blindness (Birch et al., 1998; National Eye Institute).

I wanted the focus to be entirely on gameplay—making sure that users could easily perform the necessary tasks without distraction. The majority of the screen mimics the feeling of holding a hand of cards, just like in a real-life two-person card game. I wanted users to feel like they were sitting at a table with a partner, where the focus is on the cards in your hand, with only slight peripheral awareness of the opponent.

Key assistive tools are placed above the "hand" for easy access, and status updates (like turn indicators, actions, or win notifications) are displayed where the opponent would be in a physical setup. This layout was intentionally designed to minimize clutter and maximize clarity.

In terms of graphics, we opted for common symbols instead of long text, eliminating the need for users to process complex language while they played. This helped simplify the game’s interface and ensured that users could stay focused on the task at hand. Our graphic designer and I agreed on using soft, simple illustrations for the cards—nothing too complex or overwhelming. Think less “Renaissance painting” and more visual cues that are easy to interpret without overstimulating the user.

I wanted to address another key consideration—the issue of fine motor control and hand tremors. To address this, we carefully designed the buttons, padding, and spacing to make them more forgiving for users who may have shaky hands. We increased the size of clickable areas, ensuring that the buttons had ample padding around them to reduce the chances of accidental clicks or difficulty selecting smaller components. This was particularly important for actions like selecting cards or confirming moves. By spacing out the buttons and making them larger, we created an interface that was easier to navigate for users with motor difficulties.

One of the most important design principles I focused on was minimizing the need for users to search for direction or guidance during the game. I wanted the layout, prompts, and overall flow to make users feel as though they were being guided step-by-step through the experience, much like a click-through tutorial on a website or app. I didn’t want players to have to stop and think, “What do I do next?” Every button and interaction was intentionally placed in a linear order, so users could follow a clear, smooth progression from one step to the next. The layout and design were made to ensure that the user always knew where to click and what to do next, without feeling lost or confused. Additionally, we used clear visual feedback (like color changes and animations) to help users confirm their actions and reduce confusion, especially when navigating menus or making selections. The system also provided a slight delay before a selection was registered, giving users a chance to make adjustments if needed.