Year 4, First Semester, 16 Week Project
Design Brief
For this studio project, I wanted to focus on using design thinking to create a physical product that assists with a mental impairment. I chose to make a language input device for users with dyslexia and dysgraphia because I have seen first hand how difficult it can be for these users to type efficiently and consistently
Problem
Solution
Create a human interface device that can help users with dysgraphia/dyslexia type more consistently and efficiently without having to slow down their train of thought and make constant errors
Language input tasks are difficult and frustrating for users with dyslexia and dysgraphia. Users make constant spelling errors if they are trying to type fast and lose their train of thought if they must slow down to think about what they are typing
Research
To better understand the struggles that users with dyslexia/dysgraphia experience on a day-to-day basis and throughout their lives, I sent out a survey to gather user experience research.
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What school subjects are/were the most difficult for you?
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What aspect of typing makes it difficult for you? (i.e. typing without looking, pressing the right keys with precision, etc.)
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How often do you miss type?
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What would make typing more efficient for you?
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What everyday activities do you find most frustrating?
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Do you experience input challenges while playing video games? If so, elaborate
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What products/systems do you use to aid with your dyslexia/dysgraphia/ADHD?
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What other parts of your life does dyslexia/dysgraphia/ADHD affect?
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How have you tried to improve your struggles?
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How does dyslexia/dysgraphia/ADHD affect your motivation towards written/reading work?
Key Findings
Of users with Dysgraphia/Dyslexia use some type of product or system to help them type (ex. Speech-to-text, modified keyboards, etc.)
Small and close together letters on keyboards make typing accurately a challenge
Users with Dysgraphia/Dyslexia commonly mix up letters like B and D
Users with Dysgraphia/Dyslexia have trouble remembering keystrokes
Empathy Map
Consumers
Product Description & Brand Name
= Typing Assist Pad
TAP is a language input device that can be used as an alternative to the traditional keyboard. The physical product interacts with a personalizable user interface to create an experience in which the user can input words in a clear and simplified way.
Inspiration
Ideation
Development
Concept Features
Model
