Print-and-play and digital games for a playful assessment of colour vision deficiencies

Abstract

The term colour vision deficiency (or CVD, for short) refers to a spectrum of conditions of genetic origin where one or more types of cone cells in the human retina do not function correctly, or do not function at all, leaving those affected unable to distinguish certain colours (Wright et al., 1946); this condition affects approximately 1 in 12 males and 1 in 200 females worldwide, but in Italy it is often identified only after a child has entered primary school, thus an early detection of this condition can help reduce colour-related learning challenges and social disadvantages. 

In order to address this issue, we designed a tile-placement and colour-matching board game which we named ColorFit as a playful tool for discovering potential colour perception issues. The game is meant for two players and provides a controlled environment where player behaviour – such as the choice of moves and the players’ response times – can be observed and analysed to deduce possible colour vision difficulties. 

ColorFit is available in print-and-play format, complete with game rules, components, and a user guide. To broaden its accessibility and analytical capabilities, a digital version was also created, with a higher degree of customization, adjustable colour palettes and game conditions, and a more precise tracking of player actions, such as timing, move accuracy, and error patterns. 

By integrating game-based interaction with observational analysis, ColorFit offers a non-invasive, engaging, and scalable method to support the early identification of colour vision deficiencies in children.