3. BRIEF
To design a device for use by children with learning
difficulties, especially Autism.
The product must have a computing element to it
and the main focus should be on designing the
interface between the person and the computer.
It should allow the child to communicate their
feelings in way that others can understand but be
fun for the child to use.
It should also help them to interact with other
children.
5. AUTISM
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that
affects how a person communicates with, and
relates to, other people and the world around them.
It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while
all people with autism share certain areas of
difficulty, their condition will affect them in different
ways. Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. (The
National Autistic Society)
6. 3 AREAS OF DIFFICULTY
Difficulty with social communication
Difficulty with social interaction
Difficulty with social imagination
7. SOCIAL COMMUNICATION
People with autism have difficulties with both verbal
and non-verbal language.
Many have a very literal understanding of
language, and think people always mean exactly
what they say.
Difficult to understand:
facial expressions or tone of voice
jokes and sarcasm
common phrases and sayings
8. SOCIAL INTERACTION
Difficulty recognising or understanding other
people's emotions and feelings.
appear to be insensitive as not recognised how
someone else is feeling
prefer to spend time alone
not seek comfort from other people
appear to behave 'strangely' or inappropriately, as it
is not always easy for them to express feelings,
emotions or needs.
9. SOCIAL IMAGINATION
Hard to:
understand and interpret other people's thoughts,
feelings and actions
predict what will happen next, or what could happen
next
understand the concept of danger
engage in imaginative play and activities
prepare for change and plan for the future
cope in new or unfamiliar situations.
Difficulties with social imagination should not be confused
with a lack of imagination. Many people with autism are
very creative and may be, for example, accomplished
artists, musicians or writers.
11. EMOTIONS
Key issue with autistic children
Help to show emotions
Help to understand others emotions
12. EDUCATION
Should still be an educational tool
Help learn shapes
Help learn colours
Help learn numbers and the alphabet
13. REACTICKLES AND SOMANTICS
Developed at UWIC
Encourages imaginative play and a fun learning
environment.
This is could be included in my design.
14. INTERACTION LAYOUT
Simple to use
Easy to understand
No complex symbols
Everything plays to schemas that are already in
place (eg red = stop, angry etc)
