Ensuring an inclusive avatar environment is a multi-level process. Choosing hair, for example, should not assume or promote a particular quality. Oftentimes clicking on “hair” takes the user to strand-based hair, which is common to white or Asian individuals, and not to any form of Black hair. Similarly, some lighting algorithms, by default, highlight light skin ahead of dark skin.

It can take a diverse group of artists to change this paradigm. Companies can begin by having female, Black, Hispanic, queer, non-binary, and special needs designers and creators on hand or on staff. This helps to curate not only appropriate content but also the subconscious messaging that accompanies it.

Apple, for example, was a leader in changing the norm in skin selection. Typically the skin tones selector in character creation tools goes from “light” to “dark,” which reflects an inherent bias. Apple flipped this, going from “dark” to “light.” A small change — but one that didn’t go unnoticed.

When our company, Tafi, designed its tools and collections for avatar creation, we made sure all content, regardless of gender norms, was interchangeable. Users can place a wedding dress or tutu on masculine characters, or a very formal tuxedo on feminine characters. Our flagship prototype characters, Victoria and Michael, are updated periodically; in a recent iteration Michael is in a wheelchair, and Victoria is deaf. We worked with a leading American Sign Language institute to create sign language animations, so Victoria could actually communicate in sign language. We also worked with an artist who is deaf to create realistic hearing aids.

On a more philosophical level, it’s also important for technologists to reach out in order to better understand diversity. Our team consults with a broad range of ethnic and cultural experts and organizations to improve representation, remove unconscious bias and pursue more inclusive avatar standards. The goal is to develop tools that allow individuals to portray themselves as they see fit, rather than by how someone else would define them.

Ty Duperron

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