ClearPath
Casestudy
Team Project (4) | 6 weeks |UX Designer/Reseacher
Navigation Applications fail to accommodate individuals on the ASD Spectrum
There’s been a 178% increase in the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the US since 2000. ASD is a developmental disorder that affects social communication and interaction. Individuals on the spectrum need a reliable and accessible way to navigate as traditional navigation applications fail to accommodate their special needs hampering their mobility and independence.
Through secondary and primary research we tried to grasp the issues faced by individuals with ASD when trying to rely on traditional navigation apps like Google Maps. Further market study helped identify the lack of navigation applications that catered to their special needs.
Introduction
Autistic people need a reliable and accessible way to navigate as traditional navigation applications fail to accommodate their special needs hampering their mobility and independence.
The solution was designed in the form of a mobile application called ClearPath that attempts to make individuals with ASD self-reliant and independent. Rather than give a 2D overview of the navigation path, the app provides the user with an Augmented View and gives visual cues throughout the navigation while also highlighting important information such as street signs and traffic signals.
A structured iterative process helped us get constant feedback from the users at every step
Design Process
We used the Double Diamond Process and PRICPS framework (Blevis,2012) to guide the design process. The double diamond method enhances the project by promoting thorough exploration and iteration, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of user needs and efficient problem-solving. It systematically guides divergent and convergent thinking for a more effective and user-centric design process.
Target Audience
For this project, the focus was on individuals who are high-functioning on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1), and are also mobile, but suffer from learning disabilities.
Design Methods were selected to prioritize the user's individual input and avoid generalization
User Research
Methods for this project were picked meticulously while keeping in mind the sensitivity with which the topic has to be approached. We avoided methods that generalize the user group as every individual on the ASD spectrum has specific needs. More focus was placed on getting feedback from the user group at each stage of the project.
1. User Interview
Interviews were conducted regarding lifestyle and daily navigation practices with 2 users and 1 professional. We found out the apps they use, and any special methods they adapt to make naviagtion easier for them.
2. Affinity Mapping
The Affinity Map was made based on the insights gathered from primary research (interviews with the user and an expert in the field) and secondary (academic papers and documentaries about the topic). The following themes were identified.
Visual Design decisions were made to prioritize empowerment and reduce dependency
Visual Design
1. User Needs
The following user needs were identified:
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Individuals with ASD need positive feedback because they learn better through reward-based learning.
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Individuals with ASD need controlled environments because they have sensory sensitivities which can be triggered by noise, touch, smell, or visual stimuli.
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Individuals with ASD need repeated guidance and routines because unpredictable situations can cause the individual to become very anxious.
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Individuals with ASD need sensory stimulation because physical feedbacks help them to understand their actions better.
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Individuals with ASD need visual cues because it helps them comprehend the information they are dealing with.
2. Values
Independence
Independence is a crucial value for autistic people as it allows them to live a self-determined life, make their own choices, and pursue their interests without being overly reliant on others. It empowers them to develop their skills, gain confidence, and find their place in the world.
Consistency
Consistency and routines are important values for autistic people as they provide a sense of structure, predictability, and stability in their lives. They can help reduce anxiety, increase comfort levels, and improve overall functioning and well-being.
3. Initial Concepts
Concept 1
How Might We develop tools that address the unique spatial challenges faced by individuals with ASD?
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Individuals with ASD can use AR to navigate spaces. The application would give them audio and visual cues to help them safely reach their desired destination.
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The app switches between audio and visual cues depending on the scenario.
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The user gets small chunks of information rather than dealing with the entire task all at once to avoid overstimulation.
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It wasn't clear if the cues are simple to grasp and help achieve exactly what the user wishes to do.
Concept 2
How Might We incorporate visual cues that effectively communicate information to individuals with ASD, in order to enhance their comprehension and understanding of various situations and tasks?
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The user gets to journal memorable moments from their daily commute routes. These moments can be either good or bad and would help the user better familiarize themselves with the route.
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If they encounter a bad situation they can avoid this route and instead find a better alternative.
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It wasn't sure if the journaling process is intuitive to path recognition and helps in the long run.
Concept 3
How Might We develop effective guidance and routines that can be repeated to provide individuals with ASD a sense of predictability and reduce anxiety in unpredictable situations?
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The user plays a video game that simulates daily life scenarios that they might encounter. They get to play out scenarios of cooking, doing laundry or shopping for groceries.
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In a video game situation, the user is allowed to make errors and learn tasks through repetition.
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It wasn't clear if the user could connect the game scenarios to real life.
Concept 4
How Might We develop effective guidance and routines that can be repeated to provide individuals with ASD a sense of predictability and reduce anxiety in unpredictable situations?
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The user uses AR glasses to help understand how a task is done. The glasses give them visual cues or the steps that need to be performed to complete the task. The tasks generally pertain to daily chores such as cooking or doing the laundry.
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The user gets both audio and visual instructions to carry out the task.
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It wasn't clear if the cues are helpful or if they end up creating a more confusing situation.
Final Concept
The final concept combines concept 1&2 regarding spatial navigation using AR and creating mental notes throughout the journey using journalling. Rather than just giving a 2D overview of the navigation path, the app provides the user with an Augmented View that has visual cues throughout the navigation and highlights the important information they need to assess when navigating on foot.
Why we pick AR
VR and AR are popular in education and training, offering immersive experiences that enhance learning. They're especially beneficial for people with ASD, providing a safe environment to practice social skills and communication.
Scope for Intervention: AR technology can provide individuals with autism with a visual and interactive way to explore and navigate the world around them, which can help to improve their spatial awareness and orientation skills.
4. Visual Principles
The following visual principles were recognized and implemented:
5. Visual Design Study
Individuals with autism often experience sensory sensitivities, including color sensitivity that can trigger anxiety or discomfort. To accommodate this, we have ensured that our app's text has a color contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
Research conducted by GA Architects suggests that using soft, calm, and dark colors in interior design can help individuals with autism to focus and concentrate for longer periods. We have incorporated this insight into our app design by using colors from this palette, especially for the background, to promote a focused and calming environment.
In addition, we have implemented a visual design style called Glassmorphism during the navigation phase that emphasizes a relaxed, light, and soft aesthetic to reduce visual strain and enhance the user experience during navigation.
6. Style Guide
7. Final Concept
ClearPath is a navigation app that helps individuals with autism and learning disabilities navigate safely through the town.
The app combines the first 2 concepts regarding spatial navigation using AR and creating mental notes throughout the journey using journalling. Rather than just giving a 2D overview of the navigation path, the app provides the user with an Augmented View that has visual cues throughout the navigation and highlights the important information they need to assess when navigating on foot.
Personalization through filters
This feature allows a first-time user to add Peers (friends or family members) that will be granted access to their location. The user can select if they want to provide access to the peer “all the time” or only during certain trips. This helps ensure the safety of the user.
On the Accessibility Filters screen, the user is given certain filters they can toggle to make their navigation experience better. Options such as “Find Quiet Spaces”, “Suggest Safe Routes”, “Detect Moving cars” and so on can help the user tailor a navigation path that will help them feel safe and comfortable.
Optimized location search
The home screen allows users with an option to view their upcoming travel schedule for the day. They can also view their saved or previously taken routes.
The home screen also provides them easy access to start navigation by entering the location they wish to go by inputting that location on the search bar.
This feature not only allows the user to look up navigation to a location of choice but also provides them insightful information about the predicted footfall at that specific location and any saved memories the user had when they previously visited these places.
Spatial navigation through AR
During a running navigation, the application will show the route in an augmented view. It highlights the path they’re meant to take and provides visual cues in the form of arrows that they can follow.
Traffic signals and signboards are highlighted to help the user focus on only the necessary data and filter out the irrelevant stuff.
Along with the visual cues, overlays in the form of modal cards give the user additional information.
Floating Action Buttons for Adding Journal Notes, Sharing Location and Adding Journal Audio are located at the bottom right side for quick access.
Scheduling and planning
During the scheduling process, users can see how crowded the destination location would be, during the time and day they had selected based on previous records.
This information helps them plan their activities more effectively and reduce anxiety or stress.
8. User Testing
Alternate Routes
We recognized the importance of providing users with multiple options for reaching their destination and thus incorporated a feature that enables them to access alternative routes.
Toggle View
We added an alternate view option that aims to eliminate distractions by minimizing the details of the surrounding buildings by defocusing them using monotone overlays, which can help the user focus on the task at hand.
What the potential users had to say
“You’re telling me, this app right here can like tell when there’s no cars and tell you to go? This is like something out of Harry Potter! Wow, this is cool! ”
The Product Video
Reflecting on the project
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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly diverse and complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals in different ways. As such, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting people with ASD, and personalized interventions and accommodations are necessary to address their specific needs and challenges.
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A technological solution can make a huge impact on making them independent, as people are more likely to have access to a mobile phone than have the resources to get a service dog or other aids.
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Design considerations had to be made to make sure the elements and colors picked conveyed the needed message and not overwhelm an autistic user.
Next Steps:
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As each individual on the spectrum has their own unique needs, further user testing will have to be conducted to validate the functionality of the app.
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For scenarios where using the camera viewfinder for AR navigation is unsafe, guided audio navigation with built-in environmental analysis technology can be used as a safer alternative.
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Filters can be expanded to be more inclusive of the disabilities that individuals on the autism spectrum are likely to be diagnosed with.