DINGO! App Development

The DINGO! app is a simple yet visually stunning game tool that displays 52 playing cards face down and randomly draws cards at set intervals.

It addresses an ongoing problem in both the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing communities and hearing communities, where they lack a reliable application to perform this simple task without the complexity of antiquated Windows-specific software, the requirement of Microsoft Access 2007 Runtime, and dependency on abandoned software. This new app serves the goal of revitalizing the lesser-known game of "card bingo" for communities with the ease of web access or desktop and mobile use at no cost, maintaining accessibility nationwide. The project demonstrates how genuine community engagement can drive meaningful software solutions that serve real user needs.

There are only a handful of software available that serve the niche purpose of randomly drawing and displaying the playing cards, which can be used for several types of "games", more commonly the game of DINGO (Deaf Bingo), which is a variation of card bingo where playing cards are utilized instead of bingo cards and balls.

One popular piece of software was contracted and created by a Canadian company that developed their own version of a dingo platform that was discontinued in 2020. Developed using Microsoft Access 2007 as its foundation, this software includes the Access 2007 Runtime environment but faces growing compatibility concerns with modern Windows 10/11 systems, potentially requiring troubleshooting or compatibility mode installation. The interface is reminiscent of old-fashioned Windows applications, but is also uninviting and overwhelming to technologically-inept senior citizens who are typically responsible for hosting dingo games.

This particular software became the de facto app for running dingo games, and has been "shared" across several Deaf organizations due to the high cost and the lack of support and understanding, creating uncertainty and fear of spending money on something that would not work.

When I sat at my first dingo game and witnessed this application being displayed on a projection screen for the entire audience to see, I could identify several problems and found more as I researched alternative dingo software afterwards.

• The application is mainly focused on functionality, not so much form
• Visual accessibility could be improved
• The menus and options were overflowing with choices, and hosts/hostesses were often overwhelmed trying to scan through them for specific functions
• Designed "hearing people-first" and delivered with little to no intent for collaboration and improvement based on feedback
• Fixed 1366x768 resolution requirement doesn't adapt to modern display sizes or accessibility needs
• Dependency on aging Microsoft Access 2007 Runtime creates long-term sustainability concerns
• No web version available
• Discontinued support since 2020 leaves organizations without technical assistance

These were the biggest pain points that stood out to me, and I set out on a personal journey to address this challenge that seemed to face the entire Deaf community - with nobody willing to create something new in this space, as if it had simply become an afterthought and the old software was "good enough" in their eyes. Not mine.

I developed a modern, web-based DINGO application that addresses all the identified pain points while maintaining the core functionality that communities depend on.

• Web-based Platform: No installation required, works on any device with a web browser
• Responsive Design: Adapts to any screen size, from mobile phones to large projection displays
• Accessibility First: High contrast, large text, and clear visual hierarchy
• Simplified Interface: Reduced cognitive load with clean, minimal controls
• Free & Open Source: No licensing fees or restrictions
• Modern Technology: Built with Vue.js and TypeScript for reliability and performance

The application was built with modern web technologies to ensure reliability, performance, and accessibility across all devices and platforms.

• Frontend: Vue.js 3 with Composition API for reactive user interface
• Language: TypeScript for type safety and better developer experience
• Styling: CSS3 with CSS Grid and Flexbox for responsive layouts
• Build Tool: Vite for fast development and optimized production builds
• Deployment: Static hosting for fast global delivery

The DINGO! app has been successfully deployed and adopted by Deaf communities nationwide. The application has eliminated technical barriers and provided a reliable, modern solution for hosting card bingo games.

The DINGO! app project demonstrates how thoughtful analysis of community needs can drive meaningful software solutions. By focusing on accessibility, simplicity, and modern web standards, we created a tool that not only solves the immediate technical problems but also ensures long-term sustainability for the communities that depend on it.

This project reinforced my commitment to building software that serves real user needs, particularly in underserved communities. The success of the DINGO! app shows the impact that can be achieved when developers take the time to understand and address genuine community challenges.