Team: Manali Panchal/ Svaney Shen/ Zhaolu Song
Brief: Design a friendly museum experience for children with ASD.
Time: November
This week, we redesigned the visual language of this toolkit and improved the connection of the interactive sensory map.
Visual Language
Based on feedback from last week that the visual language of the toolkit was too noisy, we redesigned the visual language to be more consistent for better understanding for children. We chose the representative elements of each area and designed the illustration accordingly. For example, a red rocket represents the area of ‘Explore the Space’ and is used on both visual cards and the sensory map.
Visual Illustration of Interactive Sensory Map. Design by Svaney and Manali.
Improved Connection
The previous connection between visual cards and the sensory map is a button. However, it raises two issues. First, the connection is weak, so it needs really hard press to make sure the sensory map actually works. Secondly, Svaney pointed out that it is not safe for kids because the button is smaller than the throat of kids which may cause asphyxiation if it was swallowed by mistake. For safety reasons, we discard the buttons on the visual cards and chose insertion as the interactive mode instead.
Improved Visual Cards. Design by Team.
User Proxy Testing
To validate our design, we invited two families to join the user proxy testing, which is an alternative method to user testing. As the difficulty to access children with ASD and the final prototype is not fully operational yet, we tested with the main user proxies of children with ASD, their families. They are close to the children every day and understand them well. We tested the new visual language with a father of a child with ASD. He thought it was well designed and was clear to understand the corresponding areas. Besides, the VR experience was tested with three normal children. They were all very interested in it. They also said it would be nice to have a VR experience in every area of the sensory map.
Testing Visual Design. Photo by Manali.
Testing VR. Photo by Svaney.
Making Process
To ensure that the sensory map works 100% well, we enlisted the help of the Creative Technology Lab (CTL). They suggest we solder the wire to make a better connection. In addition, we layer cut acrylic sheets to make the sensory map.
I'm soldering and assembling. Photo by Svaney and Maria C.
Laser Cutting. Photo by Me.
Feedback & Take away
Mor thought it is a great idea to take neurodiverse children into account and design the preparation process of museum visits. She also said that the materials we chose were good and durable for children. Apart from design, she suggested we think about how these people get access to it. It would be unfair for these families to buy it just because their child is a child with ASD. This got me thinking about how business is part of the design and how we, as designers, need to anticipate it in advance and try to avoid unfairness through design. It would be fairer if the toolkit is placed at the entrance of museums so every audience can access it for free.
Next, we will go to Science Museum with the final product to validate our design! It is nearly there!
Comments