U ME | helping young people with severe autism to communicate
U ME | helping young people with severe autism to communicate
The Context
The Context
Approximately 40% of autistic children are non-verbal, posing daily communication challenges for them and their parents. Existing methods like written instructions, picture cards, or screen-based devices can be cumbersome and may negatively impact a child's eye health due to prolonged screen time. To address this, I designed "U Me," a two-way communication device featuring a pixel screen for visual instructions from parents and six buttons enabling children to express essential needs, facilitating seamless communication without relying on screens.
Approximately 40% of autistic children are non-verbal, posing daily communication challenges for them and their parents. Existing methods like written instructions, picture cards, or screen-based devices can be cumbersome and may negatively impact a child's eye health due to prolonged screen time. To address this, I designed "U Me," a two-way communication device featuring a pixel screen for visual instructions from parents and six buttons enabling children to express essential needs, facilitating seamless communication without relying on screens.
Journey Mapping
Journey Mapping
6 parents and carers of children with ASD, and researchers were interviewed, to understand the pain points that both carers and children experience. A journey map of their morning routine was created.
6 parents and carers of children with ASD, and researchers were interviewed, to understand the pain points that both carers and children experience. A journey map of their morning routine was created.
The U Me
The U Me
The U Me is a hand held device for non-verbal autistic children. A visual representation of instructions set by the parents appear on the pixel screen, whilst the child can use the buttons on the right to communicate their needs to their parents.
The U Me is a hand held device for non-verbal autistic children. A visual representation of instructions set by the parents appear on the pixel screen, whilst the child can use the buttons on the right to communicate their needs to their parents.
UX/UI Design
UX/UI Design
I collaborated closely with multiple parents, starting by speaking with them to understand their needs and perspectives. From these conversations, I created detailed journey maps to capture how they would interact with U Me, ensuring their real-life contexts guided the design. Specific requirements were identified and incorporated directly into the solution, and importantly, users remained actively involved at every stage of the design process to ensure the final product truly met their needs.
I collaborated closely with multiple parents, starting by speaking with them to understand their needs and perspectives. From these conversations, I created detailed journey maps to capture how they would interact with U Me, ensuring their real-life contexts guided the design. Specific requirements were identified and incorporated directly into the solution, and importantly, users remained actively involved at every stage of the design process to ensure the final product truly met their needs.
