Goolee team including Associate Professor Dr Shahrinaz Ismail, Associate Professor Dr Jalil Md. Desa and Mr Ainul Hazmin A. Hamid, APU’s tech experts from the School of Technology (SoT) demonstrated their commitment to inclusivity in the game development industry, resulting in the launch of Malaysia’s innovative sensor-based board game, B-Goolee, designed for visually impaired players.

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Imagine a board game where sight is not a barrier. That is the vision behind B-Goolee, an innovative game designed for visually impaired players, where Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Technology (SoT) tech experts played a crucial role in testing and bringing this ground-breaking project to reality. 

Following months of rigorous prototyping, development, and extensive testing, this sensor-based board game was officially unveiled in a heart-warming ceremony graced by Mr. Tan Kar Hing, the Member of Parliament for Gopeng, Perak. 

“B-Goolee is more than just a game,” emphasised Kar Hing in his Facebook post. 

“It is a powerful symbol of inclusivity, raising awareness about the needs of the visually impaired community. With features like tactile elements and voice navigation, it offers intellectual stimulation, entertainment, and fosters social interaction for everyone.”

The journey to B-Goolee began with in-depth research into the unique perspectives and experiences of visually impaired individuals, delving into how they perceive and interact with the world through touch and sound, as reported by BERNAMA. 

“We worked closely with the visually impaired community throughout the prototyping phase,” explained Dr Kamarulzzaman (Dr Zieman), Founder of Goolee Sdn. Bhd. 

“Their invaluable feedback was essential in ensuring the game was truly accessible and enjoyable for them.” 

APU’s expertise was instrumental in bringing B-Goolee to life. Associate Professor Dr Jalil Md. Desa provided invaluable guidance, while International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certified Tester, Mr Ainul Hazmin A. Hamid, actively participated in the explorative testing phase alongside other professionals.

Associate Professor Dr Shahrinaz Ismail meticulously crafted the test environment and devised the comprehensive test plan. 

The launch event garnered significant media attention, featuring prominently on NTV7, Perak China Press, and Didik TV. 

A remarkable commitment was made to distribute 10,000 B-Goolee board games to schools and educational institutions across Malaysia, ensuring widespread access for visually impaired students. 

B-Goolee is a testament to the power of inclusive design and the dedication of individuals like the experts at APU’s SoT. 

This pioneering game not only provides entertainment and intellectual stimulation but also serves as a powerful tool for fostering understanding and breaking down barriers for the visually impaired community.