Design Domino Builds for Everyone: Lessons From Sanibel’s Accessibility-First Game Design

Design Domino Builds for Everyone: Lessons From Sanibel’s Accessibility-First Game Design

Hook: You love creating domino runs, but your builds rarely reach the whole audience you want—people with limited mobility, low vision, or cognitive differences are sidelined. That’s frustrating for creators who want their work to be shared, enjoyed, and played by everyone. This guide gives you step-by-step, production-ready techniques—inspired by Elizabeth Hargrave’s accessibility-first approach with Sanibel—to make domino projects that are playable and viewable by diverse communities.

Why accessibility-first matters for domino creators in 2026

In late 2025 and into 2026 the hobby scene doubled down on inclusive design. Tabletop designers, toolmakers, and content creators are borrowing principles from universal design and delivering physical projects that work for the most people possible. For domino builders this means rethinking parts, pattern design, and production workflow so more people can both set up and enjoy your runs.

Game designer Elizabeth Hargrave’s public shift toward designing with accessibility in mind rather than retrofitting it—most recently visible in the discussions around Sanibel—is a practical model. As Polygon noted in coverage of Sanibel’s development, Hargrave intentionally designed the game for her dad and focused on mechanics and components that are easier to manipulate and perceive. That mindset translates directly to domino projects: start with the player/viewer in mind.

“Hargrave designed Sanibel with accessibility at the forefront—thinking about ease of play, readability, and tactile cues so more people can participate.” — coverage of Sanibel’s design approach

Core principles: universal design for domino projects

Adopt these four high-level principles before you lay a single domino. They’ll guide tool choice, pattern design, and production workflow.

• Reduce steps — fewer micro-moves equals more independence for people with mobility differences.
• Increase affordances — make parts obvious to touch, see, and understand (contrast, texture, shape).
• Offer multiple modes — visual, tactile, and auditory cues so audience members choose what works best.
• Test early and iterate — recruit real people with mobility, vision, and cognitive differences and adopt their feedback.

Practical setup techniques: one-handed and assisted builds

One of the most common barriers is the setup itself: tipping, precision placement, and repetitive wrist motion. These techniques cut setup time and make one-handed builds realistic.

Essential tools for one-handed setups

• Angled domino lifter — a lightweight, wedge-shaped tool that stabilizes a tile while you place the next with one hand.
• Magnetic jig — a low-profile board with magnetized positions that hold dominos in place; ideal for precise repeated patterns.
• Non-slip mats and clamps — small clamps or textured pads secure base platforms so one hand can move pieces without sliding the whole surface.
• Suction-based pickup tool — a small cup on a handle to lift and set tiles rapidly for builders with limited finger dexterity.
• Extended reach tweezers and reachers — reduce bending and stretching for wheelchair users or anyone with limited reach.

Techniques: exact steps for a one-handed starter pattern

Try this reproducible micro-build that’s perfect for practice and filming. Estimated time: 20–30 minutes. Difficulty: beginner-friendly.

1. Work on a 24" x 18" non-slip base mat. Secure the mat with tape or clamps to a stable table.
2. Use a magnetic jig with a single row of 40 positions spaced to your domino size (standard 28mm x 14mm). Place the jig so that the nearest end is within comfortable one-handed reach.
3. Pick up dominos using a suction pickup or angled lifter held in your dominant hand. Place each tile into the jig slot; the magnet will keep it upright and aligned.
4. Add tactile markers every 8th tile using textured dots (e.g., rubber bump-ons, small washi tape tabs folded to create a loop). These cues help a one-handed builder orient without counting constantly.
5. Build a 90° turn using a pre-fabricated corner plate: set the last magnetized tile to trigger a small wooden bridge that closes the angle when knocked.
6. Test the segment three times. If tiles shift, add tiny wedges under the base or increase friction with grip tape.

Actionable tip: modularize long runs into 12–40 tile panels. That way, a builder can assemble panels independently (one-handed or assisted) and then connect them with a simple mechanical latch or bridge to form the full run.

Vision-friendly builds: large-print instructions, high contrast & tactile cues

Design your builds so low-vision audiences can perceive layout and participate. These are measurable changes you can make today.

Large-print and readable instructions

• Use a minimum font size of 18–24pt for step-by-step cards; 30pt or larger for titles. Prefer high-contrast color combos (dark navy on cream, black on white).
• Sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana) increase legibility. Avoid condensed or decorative fonts for instructions.
• Include numbered step-cards with a simple icon and a short sentence (7–12 words). One action per card reduces cognitive load.
• Provide printable A3 (11" x 17") instruction sheets with larger spacing and bold step numbers for community download.

Tactile cues and texture mapping

Tactile markers are low-cost and high-impact. Use a consistent tactile language across your builds so users learn the meaning quickly.

• Raised dots (bump-ons) — place on key pivot tiles, start/finish lines, and modular connectors.
• Texture tape — short strips denote transitions or risky sections (e.g., thin grip tape for ‘slow down’ sections, felt for ‘soft landing’).
• Shape-coded tiles — swap a few dominos for tiles with tactile patterns: grooved, ridged, or triangular edges that can be felt easily.
• Audio markers — lightweight clickers or a tiny bell embedded under a panel to provide an auditory cue when a segment finishes or needs attention.

Cognitive accessibility: reduce steps, simplify rules, and use consistent signaling

For many people, complex instructions or busy visual designs are overwhelming. Borrow Hargrave’s cozy, gentle approach: keep mechanics intuitive, avoid unnecessary choices, and provide predictable feedback.

Design patterns that help cognitive accessibility

• Chunk tasks — break builds into 5–10 minute tasks with a clear start and finish.
• Visual schedule — show progress bars (large-print) or tactile notches that mark completion points.
• Consistent signals — one color for “safe”, another for “caution”; one texture for start points and another for transitions.
• Step redundancy — provide instructions in written, pictorial, and audio formats to accommodate different processing styles.

Actionable exercise: create a “calm mode” version of any build. Reduce colors, remove unnecessary patterns, increase spacing, and supply a single-task instruction deck to lower cognitive load.

Tools and material sourcing: what to buy and where to customize

In 2026, the market has more accessibility-focused accessories than ever. Here’s a short shopping and customization roadmap for creators.

Essential items to stock

• Grip-friendly domino sets (coated, matte finish)
• Magnetic or pegged jigs for panel building
• Textured bump-ons, adhesive braille labels, and vinyl tactile tape
• Ergonomic pickup tools (suction cups, angled lifters, magnetic tweezers)
• 3D-printed tactile markers and themed tactile tokens (shells, leaves) — printable at home or via community fab labs

Customizing dominos and tiles

Small customizations multiply accessibility. Popular 2025–2026 trends include:

• Edge texturing — use a fine-grit Dremel ridge to create tactile edges on the 1st tile of a segment.
• Color + texture coding — pair high-contrast paint with a matching textured sticker so both sighted and low-vision players can decode patterns.
• 3D-printed connectors — quick-release panel connectors let a person with one hand snap modules together easily.

Filming and publishing inclusive domino content

Accessibility doesn’t stop at setup; it also includes how you share the build. Produce videos and posts that are enjoyable for a broader audience—and increase reach.

Camera and audio best practices

• Multiple angles: static wide shot + close-up stationary rig that captures the tactile cues and the builder's hands. Use a low-angle camera for seated builders. For portable creator rigs and field-forward filming, see the PocketCam Pro field review for tips on stabilisation and fast edits.
• Audio description: add a short audio track describing tactile markers and one-handed techniques. In 2026, lightweight AI tools can generate a draft audio description; always verify accuracy with a human reviewer.
• Subtitles & large captions: include large, high-contrast captions and a simplified “steps” text overlay so viewers with cognitive differences can follow along. If you plan to stream or post, guides on using modern streaming platforms (Bluesky LIVE, Twitch) can help you add captions and grow sales—see this streaming how-to for setup ideas.
• Slow-mo and frame-by-frame: provide brief slow-motion clips for intricate trigger sections (30–60% speed) so all viewers can study the mechanism.

Publish with accessibility options

• Offer downloadable large-print instructions, tactile marker templates (PDF for 3D printing), and an audio-guided setup file.
• Tag content clearly (accessible, one-handed, low-vision-friendly) so searchers find builds that match their needs.
• Partner with disability creators and invite them to co-host or co-create; this improves trust and authenticity. If you run workshops or clinics, see this practical guide on how to launch reliable creator workshops.

Case study: “Sanibel Shoreline” — an accessibility-first domino mini-build

Inspired by Elizabeth Hargrave’s Sanibel design intent, here is a concrete plan you can replicate. It’s designed to be set up by a single person with limited hand use and enjoyed by sighted and low-vision viewers.

Materials

• Standard domino set (200 tiles), matte finish
• Magnetic 40-slot panel × 3
• Textured bump-ons (three textures: dot, stripe, wave)
• Large-print step cards (18–24pt) and audio instruction file
• 3D-printed shell tokens (two tactile variants)
• Non-slip base mat and corner connector plates

Layout & build plan (90 minutes)

1. Panel A (40 tiles): Straight shoreline with dot bump-ons every 8 tiles. Use magnetic jig for placement.
2. Connector bridge: A 3D-printed snap bridge with a rib that aligns by feel. Attach to Panel A using a single push (one-handed).
3. Panel B (40 tiles): Curved estuary with striped bump-ons indicating a speed-change. Insert two textured shell tiles as visual/tactile focal points.
4. Panel C (40 tiles): A sit-down finale with a soft felt landing; place wave bump-ons on the last five tiles to cue viewers to the gentle ending.
5. Test each panel and then join A→bridge→B→C. Film wide, close-ups of tactile cues, and record an audio narration that describes each tactile marker and the one-handed technique used.

Outcome: a cozy, seaside-inspired build that is intentionally readable by touch and sight, and is easy for creators with limited hand mobility to set up and film.

Safety, collaboration, and logistics for large inclusive builds

Larger events require planning for physical safety, team roles, and communication. Here’s a checklist that keeps accessibility in the center.

• Accessible workspace: tables at varying heights, clear floor space for wheelchairs, non-glare lighting.
• Role mapping: designate one person to be the tactile-visual checker, another to manage connectors, and one to document for social media.
• Ergonomic breaks: schedule 10-minute tool swaps every 20–30 minutes to reduce repetitive strain for everyone.
• Emergency plan: route for quick clearing and a soft-surface area for accidental topples—label exits and keep walkways 36" clear.

Testing protocol: iterate with people who’ll use your builds

Good intentions aren’t enough. Use this short test protocol to gather meaningful feedback and improve your designs.

1. Recruit 3–5 testers representing mobility, low-vision, and cognitive accessibility needs. Provide a small stipend or free kit.
2. Run an in-person or remote session where testers attempt one module with minimal instructions. Observe and take notes—don’t lead. If you run a class, launching reliable workshops includes templates for recruiting and running test sessions.
3. Ask three focused questions: What was confusing? What felt good to use? What would make this more inviting?
4. Implement the top three fixes, then re-test. Log results in a shared doc.

Monetization & community growth: make inclusive builds a platform, not a one-off

Inclusive builds are not just ethical—they’re shareable, and that translates into audience growth and revenue paths for creators and retailers.

• Sell accessibility add-on kits: tactile sticker packs, large-print instruction cards, 3D-printed connectors. Utility-focused maker markets and maker pop-ups are a great channel for these kits.
• Offer workshops: one-handed build clinics, tactile-design sessions, or cozy-making livestreams with closed captions and audio description. See how to host reliable creator workshops for structure and checklists (workshop guide).
• Collaborate: co-create with disability creators, local makerspaces, and accessible gaming groups to broaden reach and credibility. Advanced field strategies for community pop-ups can help with outreach and logistics (field strategies).
• Document the process: behind-the-scenes shows the effort to create inclusive builds and builds trust with your audience.

Trends to watch (late 2025 – 2026)

Stay nimble. These trends are shaping accessible hobby design now:

• Affordable tactile fabrication: home 3D printers and low-cost embossing tech let creators produce custom tactile markers at scale.
• AI-assisted audio description: generative tools can draft descriptions of visual sequences for inclusion in videos—always validate with human reviewers for accuracy.
• Community tool libraries: regional makerspace hubs are stocking inclusive toolkits—magnetic jigs, lifters, and tactile stamps—that creators can borrow. For field-ready borrowing and pop-up strategies, the maker pop-up playbook is useful (maker pop-ups).
• Industry momentum: more publishers and kit-makers are adopting accessibility labels and accessible kit versions as standard practice.

Final checklist: make your next build inclusive

• Design with universal principles: reduce steps, increase affordances, provide multiple modes.
• Include one-handed setup options (jigs, suction pickup, modular panels).
• Provide large-print and audio instructions; use high-contrast visuals.
• Embed tactile cues consistently (bump-ons, texture tape, 3D markers).
• Film accessibility-forward content: multiple angles, audio description, large captions.
• Test with real users and iterate on feedback.

Closing: cozy-making as an inclusive practice

Elizabeth Hargrave’s Sanibel reminds us that intentionally designing for someone you care about produces work that’s better for everyone. For domino creators, that means choosing tools, patterns, and production methods that invite participation rather than gatekeep it. Inclusive builds feel cozy—welcoming, warm, low-pressure—and that vibe is contagious on camera.

Make your next project a small, accessible experiment. Start with one tactile marker, one large-print card deck, and one modular panel. Test it, film it, share it, and invite feedback. Over time those small decisions turn into a community practice: builders sharing tactile templates, creators offering one-handed workshops, and fans celebrating runs that everyone can set up and enjoy.

Call to action

Ready to build something everybody can play? Join our weekly challenge: post a short clip of a one-handed or low-vision-friendly build using the tag #CozyInclusiveDomino. Download our free accessibility checklist and printable large-print cards from our community hub (sign up on dominos.space). Share your feedback—let’s design the next generation of domino runs that anyone can set up, feel, and celebrate.

Related Reading

• How to Launch Reliable Creator Workshops: From Preflight Tests to Post‑Mortems (2026)
• Field Review: PocketCam Pro for Cycle Creators — Workflows, Stabilisation, and Fast Edits (2026)
• The Evolution of Weekend Maker Pop‑Ups in 2026: Advanced Strategies for Hobbyists
• Advanced Field Strategies for Community Pop-Ups in 2026: Outreach, Merch, and Measurement
• How to Score the Best Price on the MTG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Release
• Music Licensing for Memorial Streams: Avoiding Copyright Pitfalls on YouTube and Other Platforms
• Resume Templates for Creatives: Highlighting Transmedia and Graphic Novel Experience
• Nightreign Patch Breakdown: What the Executor Buff Means for Mid-Game Builds
• Feature governance for micro-apps: How to safely let non-developers ship features