About Me
Background and InterestsMy name is Gerald Franklin. I'm currently utilizing my user experience (UX) and project management skills to help develop software and websites for people with special needs.
My start into UX design began in video games and has expanded since. Through the projects and years, I've remained proactive about testing and accessibility (more on that later). I tend to wear a lot of hats since I enjoy helping others tackle their problems. It fits nicely with my desired superpower: the power to turn into the persona of the hat I put on (like a chef's hat to become a master chef). That way, I can quickly pick up all the skills I need to help (and do all dream hobbies I don't have a lifetime for). When I'm not designing games, I'm running the Bridgewater Independent Game Developers group, playing tabletop role-playing games (currently Dungeons and Dragons 5E and Starfinder), or making a motley of art projects and handmade gifts. |
What accessibility means to me (in a nutshell)
Several years ago, I read a magazine showing a boy wielding a tennis racket, despite having no hands and needing a wheelchair. The joy on his face was moving. Here is someone I thought would be outcasted from tennis experiencing the same sport I enjoy. Because tennis was made accessible to him, a bridge was formed between us; an opportunity to share experiences and to get to know each other.
What accessibility means to me (in a nutshell that's a little bigger)
I like getting to know others, but it's more difficult to start that connection when (A) you don't know what you have in common or (B) you don't have something to do together. As a kid, games helped me start those connections. So here's my simple math:
If the games I play are accessible to Person A, Person A can play them.
If Person A and I play the same game, we could start a conversation about it (or play together).
If Person A and I start a conversation, we could get to know each other.
If Person A and I get to know each other, there's a chance we could become friends.
Extrapolating this on a larger scale:
If I can play the same games as a bunch of people, I have more chances of making friends.
But if Person A can't play the same games as a bunch of people, Person A has fewer chances of making friends.
"Isn't this a grossly simple way of looking at the world?"
Yes, but some of my best memories and connections were made over games. If only one game provides the same in someone's life, that can make a world of difference.
"Can't people bond over things besides games?"
Yes, but I think games are the best.
So, by making games, websites, apps, sidewalks, homes, anything more accessible, we're doing more than allowing users to utilize a product or service. We're building more chances to allow people to get to know each other. And, along the way, make some friends.
Yes, but some of my best memories and connections were made over games. If only one game provides the same in someone's life, that can make a world of difference.
"Can't people bond over things besides games?"
Yes, but I think games are the best.
So, by making games, websites, apps, sidewalks, homes, anything more accessible, we're doing more than allowing users to utilize a product or service. We're building more chances to allow people to get to know each other. And, along the way, make some friends.