According to a 2016 CDC study, there are staggering 1 in 54 children in the US has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). While significant efforts have been made in the area of visual, hearing, and mobility disabilities, much less attention is paid to designs to accommodate ASD.
Brightbox is a multi-facetted application to be controlled by SPED teachers connected to an interactive box to be owned by elementary-aged SPED students. Bright-box provides tools to encourage interactive engagement and communication in the online classroom, which is often a difficult position for a SPED student to be in. I Utilized technology from the "Lovebox," to inspire the device and interaction.
The Brightbox application would utilize several features proven to assist in SPED learning.
A teacher can create interactive prompts to send to student boxes, this way there’s a fun and new way for the student to maintain engagement and attention within the class.
The messaging tab would be where a teacher is able to receive messages from their students, who may or may not be nonverbal - this allows students to engage with their teachers via a pressure-free option
Visual scheduling is a systematic technique that enhances learning and communication for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. They are very useful for breaking down tasks that might be long or have multiple steps and ensuring that children follow rules, maintain attention and deadlines.
Visual schedules are key in reducing anxiety by providing consistency while also reducing resistance that comes with certain activities. Although most people associate visual schedules with pictures or photographs, events can be triggered through toys, objects and even word phrases. The visual schedule itself is a constant reminder to students where they should be, what they should be doing and when they should start and finish.
FIGMA Prototype
*please enjoy on full screen*
BRANDING
