Arches project: validation of technological outcomes of gaming software based on a participative research methodology

Background: This paper presents a case study of software gaming development that formed part of the Accessible Resources for Cultural Heritage EcoSystems (ARCHES) Project. ARCHES is a three-year-long European Union Horizon 2020 funded project with partners within the heritage and technology sectors in four European countries. The project ends in December 2019, and uses an innovative participatory research approach to understand and address issues relating to cultural access within museums for people with sensory and learning access needs. ARCHES has three phases: Phase 1 involves developing new technologies; Phase 2 involves testing and redeveloping these technologies; Phase 3 involves checking the new technologies are ready for others to use. The aim of the project is to solve barriers to learning about cultural heritage through technological solutions built through research groups. The research groups are made up of people with a range of different access preferences, are located in four cities in Europe London, Madrid, Oviedo (Spain) and Vienna – meeting on a fortnightly basis. Participants’ input is collected and fed back to the technology partners, who develop and improve their chosen technology based on this information