ClearPath
Accessible Navigation System
SUMMARY
Glimpse into the Project
Individuals with autism need a reliable and accessible way to navigate their physical environment. The traditional navigation applications fail to accommodate their special needs hampering their mobility and independence. This project focuses on an application to assist them with navigation through AR technology.
My role
User Interviews
Visual Design
User research Prototyping
Video Editing
Timeline
January - May 2023
My team
1 UX Researcher
2 UX Designers
Me
Tools
Figma
LumaFusion
Adobe AfterEffects Protopie
5-second key takeaways
Note: Voice generated by AI based on the case study. Research shows many people prefer podcast format so here it is!
Problem
Current navigation tools lack the ability to cater to the unique needs of individuals with Autism, limiting their independence and comfort in navigating their surroundings.
Solution
A mobile app featuring AR glassmorphism design to create a user-friendly navigation experience tailored for individuals with Autism, helping them explore their environment with confidence.
Outcome
70% of users expressed a significant demand for the app, with many feeling more secure and independent thanks to the real-time guidance it provided.
Ever felt lost or overwhelmed in a new place? Imagine living in a world where stepping outside feels like a maze.
lost
overwhelmed
Traditional navigation applications such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, etc, fail to accommodate the special needs of individuals with Autism, hampering their mobility and independence.
navigation
mobility
independence
individuals
with Autism
Adults with autism have talked or written about how they have a lot of fear of getting lost...They don’t see the world in the same way that other people do. That can make navigation hard.
- Julie Irish, an interior designer and Ph.D. graduate of the University of Minnesota’s College of Design
The current wayfinding apps can be very abstract. We uncovered a pressing need for a navigation solution that catered to their needs.
wayfinding
navigation solution
SOLUTION OVERVIEW
RESEARCH
What was the need?
Individuals with autism often find traditional navigation systems overwhelming, leading to anxiety and avoidance of public spaces. Research and interviews with our target audience highlighted the importance of creating a more inclusive system.
178% increase in the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the US since 2000.
As a consequence of spatial disorientation issues, the risk of death by accident in ASD is 3 times that of the neurotypical population.
Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder | CDC. (2023, April 4). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html
Guan, J., & Li, G. (2017). Injury mortality in individuals with autism. American Journal of Public Health, 107(5), 791–793. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2017.303696
Researchers have observed that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encounter challenges in daily navigation, struggling to navigate effectively when faced with alterations or obstructions along familiar routes.
daily navigation
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
USER INTERVIEWS
What did the users think?
We conducted three user interviews and one expert interview with the Educational Consultant at Indiana Institute on Disability and Community to understand first-hand what its like navigating the environment.
"The app I use right now is too abstract and I can't make out the directions"
"Designing with inclusivity at the forefront isn't just nice to have; it's essential for building a world that accommodates everyone's needs."
“Before I had a service dog, I didn’t even cross the street independently and I was 24 years old”
"After repeated exposure, I began to memorize the landscape, and thus, I began to navigate a city for the first time independently."
The fact that spatial navigation is so critical for day-to-day independent living suggests the potential benefits of such interventions for those individuals with ASD who experience difficulties with navigation in their daily lives may be quite significant.
spatial navigation
independent
significant
Lind, S. E., Williams, D. M., Raber, J., Peel, A., & Bowler, D. M. (2013). Spatial navigation impairments among intellectually high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of abnormal psychology, 122(4), 1189–1199. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034819
INSIGHTS
Two main key values stood out from the research which guided our design process.
Independence
Independence is a crucial value for individuals with ASD and learning disabilities, 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 individuals with ASD and learning disabilities, 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.
MARKET ANALYSIS
Understanding the existing solutions
Brain Power is a company that has developed an AR platform called Empowered Brain that is designed to help individuals with autism improve their social skills and independence.
Empowered Brain is delivered through a pair of smart glasses that use augmented reality technology to provide real-time feedback and support.
Floreo is a VR platform that provides therapy for individuals with autism through immersive experiences. The platform has various modules that aim to improve social communication, daily living, and vocational skills.
USER FEEDBACK
In order to narrow down our concepts, we decided to get feedback from the potential user group.
Concept: AR Assistance
Why this?
Individual 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.
The user gets small chunks of information rather than deal with the entire task all at once to avoid overstimulation.
Concept: Journaling
Why this?
The user gets to journal memorable moments from their daily commute routes.
These moments can be either good and bad and would help the user better familiarize themselves with the route.
If they encounter a bad situation they can avoid this route and instead find a better alternative.
Concept: Gamification
Why this?
The user plays a video game that simulates daily life scenario that they might encounter.
In a video game situation, the user is allowed to make errors and learn tasks through repetition.
The user feedback gave insights that ultimately refined the direction of the design approach and so we decided to go with AR technology.
AR technology
AR TECHNOLOGY
Understanding the benefits of using this technology
We selected AR technology for its ability to facilitate interaction for individuals with autism without isolating them from external interactions, offering a visual and interactive way to explore and navigate their surroundings, thus improving spatial awareness and orientation skills.
VISUAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Establishing a standardized design was important to maintain consistency
To enhance accessibility for users with autism, our app features a color contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1, minimizing sensory sensitivities.
Based on research conducted by GA Architects, we've chosen soft, calm, dark colors for the background to aid focus and concentration. Additionally, our navigation phase employs Glassmorphism, using a light, relaxed aesthetic to lessen visual strain and improve the overall user experience.
Clarity
Using clear and easily understandable visuals and content to communicate information.
Consistency
Using consistent visual design elements throughout the app.
Simplicity
Creating a simple and intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate.
Personalization
Allowing users to customize the app to fit their individual needs and preferences.
Feedback
Providing visual feedback to confirm user actions and help users stay on track.
Contrast
Providing visual feedback to confirm user actions and help users stay on track.
DESIGN SYSTEM
CONCEPT
Our final concept revolved around three key areas of focus..
Spatial Navigation
Providing users with an AR navigation tool boosts their confidence and independence by offering visual and audio cues, ensuring their safety, and enabling them to reach their destination with ease.
Moment Capturing
Capturing moments not only helps users become more familiar with their route, but also enables them to recall and learn the route more easily by providing an identifying element.
Routine Formation
Scheduling allows users to plan their day effectively and establish routines that create a sense of structure and stability, reducing their stress and anxiety.
Introducing
ClearPath
Navigation system designed to empower individuals with autism, enabling them to navigate complex environments confidently and independently.
empower
confidently
independently
Utilizing augmented reality (AR) and user friendly interface design, ClearPath offers a unique solution tailored to the sensory and cognitive needs of its users.
unique
needs
PERSONALIZATION
Understanding everyone's needs can be different and allowing customization
During onboarding, the users can toggle sensory filters as per their needs and fill out their peers’ information for location sharing. The design is intentionally minimal so as to not overstimulate the user.
Planning spaces for people on the spectrum may help influence their quality of life as well as encourage independence. This can be applied to the context of user-friendly interfaces.
Balaa, A. (2020). Wayfinding Experience of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder within a Museum Context. https://doi.org/10.22215/etd/2020-14097
Link to the prototype: here
FORMING ROUTINES
Helping form mental maps with visual representation of the schedule.
Users can schedule their days that allow users to plan their journeys in advance, helping with predictability. Furthermore, the app provides users with key information relevant to their specific trip, based on their preferred date and time. By leveraging this information, users can make more informed decisions about their travels.
Visual support to navigate the day can help people on the spectrum by providing structure and routine.
Meadan, H., Ostrosky, M. M., Triplett, B., Michna, A., & Fettig, A. (2011). Using Visual Supports with Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 43(6), 28-35. https://doi.org/10.1177/004005991104300603
SPATIAL NAVIGATION
Guiding users based on their needs
The app enables users to search for their desired location and gives them an option to choose their route based on the footfall of the area. They can also see the saved trip notes which gives them comfort taking that route. During navigation, the app analyzes the surroundings and provides augmented reality feedback to guide users throughout their journey.
People perform wayfinding tasks better using route cues (left-right directions and landmarks) over spatial cues (distance measures or cardinal directions)
Jamshidi, S., Ensafi, M., & Pati, D. (2020). Wayfinding in Interior Environments: An Integrative review. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.549628
FAMILIARIZATION
Providing visual reminders to help navigate the environment.
The app enables users to create detailed trip notes during their journeys. These notes can take the form of text, images, or audio recordings, and serve as visual reminders of places the user has visited. By reviewing their trip notes, users can easily recall important details and landmarks from their previous journeys when traveling along the same route in the future.
Optimizing memory and/or spatial awareness using elements like landmarks or distinctive features can help with wayfinding and navigation.
Hund, A. M., & Gill, D. M. (2014). What constitutes effective wayfinding directions: The interactive role of descriptive cues and memory demands. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 38, 217–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2014.02.006
USER TESTING
Made two crucial iterations that made the application more accessible
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 Between Navigation Views
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.
VALIDATING
What our users have to say...
The application received positive responses from the user testing which validated our design concepts and made the entire process worth it.
“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! ”
*Voice modified and details shown with prior consent from the participants.
REFLECTIONS
What did I learn?
Complexity of the space: no one-size-fits-all
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.
Accessibility should be kept at the forefront
To me, the essence of Human-Computer Interaction lies in prioritizing accessibility. Throughout this project, we consistently upheld empathy towards user needs. It was important to create the product with constasnt inputs from user testing. All design decisions needed to be backed up by proper research rationale.
