As a designer, I have a particular interest in user interaction and the impact it can have on the user experiences. With what I create and design I want to make a difference and help enhance people’s experiences.
Final Project
NeuroBuddies
NeuroBuddies is a modular system that aims to help children aged 8+ years old with level 1 autism gain a sense of independence whilst reducing the stress of managing their routine on their carers. The product is adaptable to the specific user’s needs and acts as a fun little companion to help them throughout their day.
How it works…
The main console is the heart of the system (the smaller device) and is programmed via the NeuroBuddies app. This allows the parent to tailor their child’s routine to their specific needs by inputting any activities, warnings about changing tasks, and events throughout the day. This routine is then sent to the child’s device and can be updated at any time! Through the device, the child can confirm or deny their tasks; this is then sent through to the app so that the parent is aware of any tasks the child has or hasn’t completed.
Use it in 3 ways!
The device can be used in 3 ways – docking it, wearing it, or holding it. The main console can be docked into the docking station which allows the user to have a bigger device and a bigger screen. It can also be attached to a wrist strap which allows the user to wear it like a watch. The strap can be changed to any universal 20mm watch strap to fit the user’s sensory needs. Finally, they can use the sensory casing. With 4 options, the user can protect their device and have a sensory output throughout their day. The casing can also be attached to a lanyard or a keyring so it doesn’t get lost!
Growing with the User
As the user gets older, they can start taking control of their own routine. With the NeuroBuddies app, they have their own log in which allows them to manage their day. Throughout the transition period, the parent can also help them to manage their routine as much as they feel is necessary by using their own log in. The app allows the user to choose their theme too which can make the interface tailored to their interests or more simple for a less stimulating experience.
Routine Example
Through interviews with stakeholders, I identified the most appropriate way to deliver the routine to the user. This routine shows a snap shot of what it would be like to use the device. The fun and friendly interface keeps the user engaged, and the simple and straightforward phrasing delivers the task in an easy to understand and non-demanding way. Also, through the app, the user can change their interface to suit their needs. They can choose the have just the face, face and words, or just words.
Journey to the Show
Through many rounds of iteration and development, NeuroBuddies was formed. This process allowed me to test ideas with stakeholders and develop the soft and friendly form you see in the final outcome.
Rapid prototyping methods, such as 3D printing, were used to quickly test ideas and present them to stakeholders. This was an efficient way of identifying whether ideas worked and getting feedback.
Product rendering allowed simple and effective testing of CMF throughout the project, allowing me to quickly evaluate new ideas, gain feedback from stakeholders and put the product into context.
Other Work
Heart 2 Heart
The Heart 2 Heart app is part of a system design that helps connect ‘left-behind’ children and their parents, who have been separated by migration, together through daily messages. This was designed as part of a group project, where an app was designed for the parent to contact their child, and a device was designed for schools for the children to send and receive messages from their parents.
EcoCook
EcoCook is a kitchen appliance that uses the idea of ‘scrappy cooking’ and aims to help people make the most out of their food to save money and reduce their food waste. The product is supported by an app which allows the user to scan their food scraps to get recipe suggestions. This product was designed as part of a design sprint for the brief: “Propose a physical product that a brand could launch to enrich lives and aid the cost of living crisis.”
Renosist
Renosist is a renovation assistant app that aims to guide users through a stress free and informative renovation process. Whether the user is D.I.Ying the
project or contracting builders, then the app can help them design and bring their new space to life. The app focuses on creating a ‘homely’ experience for the user by allowing them to tailor their space to how they want it to feel.
Awards
- IOM3 Student Starpack Award Bronze 2021
- WPO WorldStar Student Awards Certificate of Recognition 2021
- Solidworks CWSA Mechanical Design Certificate
Visionary Thinkers
Visionary Creators
Visionary Makers