OCT - DEC 2023 | 2.5 Months
G.L.O.W
Designing a digital planner to improve productivity for children with ADHD and ASD.
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Innovative Inclusivity Design
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User-Centric Design
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Problem Solving Solution
Product Design
UX Design
Inclusive Design
OVERVIEW
Team
3 UX Designers and Researchers.
Tools
Figma, Figjam
Hats Worn
User Researcher UI/UX Designer
Timeline
Oct - Dec 2023
2.5 months
Context
This project aimed to create an inclusive product for vulnerable users, particularly children with ADHD and ASD, delving into accessible and inclusive UX designs. By prioritizing the unique needs of these users through features like diverse avatars and positive reinforcement, the project set a new standard for inclusivity in digital product design. It represents a proactive and empathetic approach, redefining accessibility and user experience for a more universally inclusive product.
The Problem...
Lack of sufficient support for children grappling with ADHD and ASD undermines their crucial developmental stages, impairing academic, social, and emotional progress. Bridging this gap is essential for nurturing their holistic growth
The Vision...
Develop a digital solution addressing the diverse needs of children with ASD and ADHD and empowering them to thrive academically and socially.
This is a story of...
How we implemented
Design Thinking to produce a tool that fosters inclusivity
BACKGROUND
The first step to designing is understanding who we are solving for
Through Research and Literature Review, we identified our targeted users and investigated their challenges & needs:
Let's take a closer look at the challenges faced by our targeted user and
What are their Critical Needs?
Foster a nurturing environment entails a structured routine, clear communication, positive reinforcement, and zero tolerance for discrimination.
Aid in effective communication for children with ASD and ADHD through simple language, and visual aids, ensuring clarity.
Maintaining a consistent routine is paramount. A predictable schedule fosters a sense of security, aiding in symptom management.
Recognizing and addressing potential learning disabilities in children with ASD and ADHD, crafting personalized educational plans through collaborative efforts with schools.
Involve diverse teaching methods and fostering hands-on learning. Empowering parents and professionals to unlock their full potential.
BRAINSTORM
Before we could start ideating a product, we also needed to understand
What has been identified and is recommended:
For ADHD
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Organizational Tools
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Focus-Boosting Tools
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Fidget Spinners
For ASD
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Social Training Tool
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Sensory processing tools
We also did a quick Competitors Analysis and found the following
Features from Potential Competitors
Based on the Competitor Analysis,
Made a simple Information Architecture & User Flow
which helped us figuer out potential key features to include in our product.
We considered all our research to build on...
Our initial direction of our solution
Hand-Held Design
Inspired by handheld gaming devices and foldable smartphones, our compact design offers flexibility with adjustable screen sizes, catering to various usage scenarios.
Our digital planner integrates gamified elements to motivate children with ADHD and ASD, breaking down tasks into manageable steps and rewarding completion with points for avatar customization and add-ons.
Gamified Planner
Avatar Companion
The device features a virtual avatar providing engagement and emotional support, encouraging children through positive reinforcement and personalized rewards earned from completed tasks.
The use of visual elements adds an engaging and inclusive aspect. Visual cues and interactive design can be especially helpful for individuals who respond well to visual stimuli and hands-on engagement.
Visual Engagement
Avatar Companion
Encouraging prompts from the Avatar to foster a positive and motivating atmosphere. This approach is particularly helpful for individuals who benefit from positive reinforcement and encouragement in their daily activities.
We recognize the diverse needs of our users. By offering customizable features, such as the ability to choose themes, avatars, and even modes of interaction, it caters to the individual preferences and sensitivities of children with ADHD and ASD.
Customization
And so, our solution in a nutshell
A tablet-like hardware, powered by AI to perform as a digital planner.
A dynamic second brain empowering productivity and organization
Whats G.L.O.W's MVP...?
Since G.L.O.W's main goal is to enhance organization and Productivity, naturally, the Planner/Schedule feature is IS MVP
Focusing on the following section of the Information Architecture for Design Solution
DESIGN ITERATION
Let's explore the development of the visual aesthetics through...
Wireframes...
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Started with 2 simple screens, the monthly weekly view (left) and the daily view (right).
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Tasks divided into Academic & Personal categories serve as filters for effective organization and management.
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Task blocks shaped like building blocks or puzzle pieces illustrate each task's contribution to shaping the day's narrative.
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AI-powered features such as note-taking and focus mode enhance academic pursuits and productivity for children using the platform.
Mood Boards...
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Productivity tools designed for organization and efficiency.
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Examination of common organization tools/supplies in schools and offices and created a mood board.
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Outcome: Range of soft, pastel colors
Final Branding...
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Carefully crafted color palette for sensory sensitivities and a calming environment.
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Soft pastel tones dominate for visual appeal without overwhelming stimuli.
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Colors include muted blues, gentle greens, soothing yellows, and subtle pinks.
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Nunito font was selected for enhanced readability and accessibility.
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Clean and sans-serif typography promotes clarity and simplicity.
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A user-friendly interface ensures information comprehension for children with varying reading abilities.
SOLUTION
Entering the Digital Planner
Visual Engagement:
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Inspired by building blocks & Tetris adds an engaging and inclusive aspect.
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Especially helpful for individuals who respond well to visual stimuli and hands-on engagement.
Positive Reinforcement and Encouragement:
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Encouraging prompts from the AVATAR fosters a positive and motivating environment.
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Helpful for individuals who benefit from positive reinforcement and encouragement in their daily activities.
Flexible Viewing Options:
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The daily and weekly views, as well as the filter button, give users the flexibility to tailor their experience.
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This approach recognizes that children with ADHD and ASD may have different preferences and needs for how they view and manage their schedules.
How would I measure the outcome of these solutions?
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Task Completion Rate: indicating the effectiveness of the product in task management and productivity improvement.
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Time Management Metrics: track users' allocation of time, distinguishing between productive and non-productive activities to gauge effectiveness.
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Usage of the Focus Mode: monitor to assess its effectiveness in reducing distractions and improving concentration.
REFLECTION
Limitations and Constraints
Lack of testing with real users
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Difficulty recruiting participants due to the vulnerability of the target audience (children with ADHD and ASD); no consent from parents/guardians was obtained for testing the prototype.
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Relied on secondary sources like academic papers and authorized articles for insights on children with ADHD and ASD.
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Prototype completed without real user testing; adherence to accessibility guidelines ensured inclusivity and alignment with identified needs.
Valuable feature omitted
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Valuable features were omitted due to time constraints and project scope.
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Features like Emotional Regulation Chatbot/Journal, which aids in emotional regulation for children with ADHD and ASD.
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Omission of Customization of Visual Settings, which intended to address sensory issues and offer control over display customization in case our color palette and visual settings over-stimulate and overwhelm the users.
Learning Outcome
Designing for Children
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Highlighted the challenges of designing for children, emphasizing the importance of minimizing on-screen text for maintaining focus.
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Engaged in critical thinking about unconventional app features, prompting reflection on design decisions and placement rationale.
Designing for Accessibility
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Demonstrated the potential impact of user-centered design approaches in improving the lives of children with ADHD and ASD.
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Emphasized the significance of employing robust theoretical frameworks and collaborative research efforts in the development of inclusive design solutions:
Future Considerations
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Potential for further development and refinement, particularly in exploring remaining inclusivity approaches such as Diverse Avatar Options, Customization, and Emotion Regulation and Support.
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Conduct detailed evaluations through user testing/expert testing to assess the design's effectiveness and identify areas for further improvement.
