TARGET: Tactile-Audio DaRts for Guiding Enabled Throwing

The game of darts is a popular, simple to learn and difficult to master, social game. The TARGET tool was developed to support access to a BLE-enabled electronic dartboard for people who are Blind/Low Vision. Functionality included aurally announcing the score, current thrown position and remaining score to win. Human researchers tapped a metal rod on the dartboard to assist with aiming the dart, and provided advice on what possible areas on the board should be targeted. Tactile displays consisted of a small diameter replica of the dartboard that could be held in one hand and a second dart board on a horizontal surface that duplicated the dart positions that could be felt by the user. A user study with five blind participants was conducted to learn the game rules, practice throwing the darts and then playing an actual game. Results indicated that blind players enjoyed the game and were willing to play again, were in flow and developed a somewhat high degree of perceived competency over the duration of the study. Future work involves using machine learning technology to improve aiming support.