Design for real people | Srishti | 2009
User Interface Design
ABOUT AUTISM
Autism is a brain development disorder characterised by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviour. These signs all begin before a child is three years old. Autism involves many parts of the brain; how this occurs is not well understood. 
Different levels of autism :
• Asperger syndrome – does not have much language development delay
• Rett syndrome – causes and traits may be different

KEY OBSERVATIONS
  • Sensory integration - big area - handled by occupational therapist.
  • Use a behavioural method
  • Do not follow visual schedule
  • Dynamism or movement is important
  • Seek for sensory interaction
  • Scaffolding - entry level for interaction
  • It very important to keep them in the moment.
  • Autistic kids need to be first motivated to do an activity.
  • The problem is lack the motivation to do anything whereas kids with 
    any physical disability still have motivation to do an activity.

LIFE IN A DAY
Siddarth's Day - Wake up – 7.30am | Get Ready - 7.45 am | Breakfast – 8.15 am | Therapy- 1st session – 9- 11 am | 2nd Session – 11.15 – 12.15 am | Lunch – 12.15 -1.30 | 3rd Session – 1.30 – 3.30 pm | Break – Swing/ books | Snacks – 4 pm | Park – 4.30 – 6.30 pm | Bath / Play in water – 7 – 7.30 pm | Dinner – 8.30 pm | Play – books /wiggly/Swing Sleep – 10pm

PROPOSED INTERVENTION
Haptic technology, technology that interfaces with the user through the sense of touch. Haptic technology refers to technology that interfaces to the user via the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, and/or motions to the user. This mechanical stimulation may be used to assist in the creation of virtual objects (objects existing only in a computer simulation), for control of such virtual objects, and to enhance the remote control of machines and devices.

PROPOSED SOLUTION
A touch screen device using haptic technology. The moment the user moves his/her finger over the alphabet it gives a vibration sensor which fades as the user moves outside the boundary of the alphabet. The device also pronounces the letter. Auditory interaction is important. Touch, sensory and auditory interaction help the user with multiple interaction.

**  As the project is under confidentiality a lot cannot be shared.