There are two primary functions of this project:

• Create a fun dance game for blind children, giving them access to a rhythm-based dancing game, a style of game that sighted children have enjoyed for almost ten years.
• Give children and adults of different physical ability levels the chance to exercise by dancing and moving around as much as their abilities allow.

Game Description

Move to the Music is a rhythm game that uses a dance mat as its primary input device. The game plays a song, and the player dances on the mat in time to the beat. The game offers two different play modes: Freeplay and Challenge mode. Challenge mode trains players dance step combinations and then challenges them to repeat them as they're called out, allowing them to earn points and build a profile that persists between play sessions. Freeplay mode allows for unstructured play: the player can dance however he or she wants and still earn points for hitting beats. Players in Freeplay mode can mix in combinations they learned in Challenge mode to earn extra points.

General Design Principles

These should be part of how the designers and programmers approach all aspects of the game:

• Easy voice navigation that a blind child can accomplish without assistance. This means that menus can't be too deep with endless nested functions
• All menus are navigable with both keyboard and mat. Mat functions must be consistent throughout the game
• Cancel buttons allow the user to return to a previous screen
• Enter or Forward buttons allow the user to continue on to a new screen
• Sound cues accompany all significant game events, and they must stand out from any music playing at that time
• Encouragement for players with all ability levels without being condescending
• All game modes should support players of various ability levels
• A tutorial allowing the user to learn all about the game and how to play. But the game should be designed so that a user gets it without much explanation
• A settings option will give the user the ability to change preferences such as music, voice, and sound effects volume

Requirements (prioritized):

1. Fun for the kids
2. Menu navigation using the dance mat as primary input device with keyboard backup
3. Free play mode without constraints of required moves
4. Scoring system that rewards players according to effort and accomplishments
5. Challenge mode that trains and tests combinations
6. Tutorial for first-time user

Future expansions may include:

1. Ability for users to import their own music (moved from requirements --not feasible with aubio)
2. Multiplayer mode
3. On-line profiles

User Types:

• Blind children as first priority player PlayerUseCases
• Sighted children are included as users in first iteration.
• Other player groups will be considered for later iterations, e.g. autistic children and adults, and cerebral palsy patients.

Privileges:

• All users have the same privileges. They may create and delete accounts and load accounts to play the game. Unregistered users may play the freeplay game only.