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Context mapping study

The literature review discusses societal trends and changing perspectives on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There is a lot of stigma around people with ASD, but efforts are being made to reduce this stigma. There is also a review of current Assistive Technologies (ATs), as well as AT's that can help our co-designer. More research has been done about human centred design, together with different approaches to co-design and various methods. Additionally a short introduction of ASD in general, as well as what it means for our co-designer can be found in this paper.  

Co-design methods

Seeing that the co-design participant is quite clear in expressing what their daily struggles are and what possible solutions he envisions, a lot of ideas had been generated early on into the design process. They are good in communicating their needs and wishes, which made it easier for the group to come up with multiple concepts. The group had several interview sessions with the co-design participant to gain more insight into his situation. Three of these were online and two physically at their home, to have a better understanding of their real-life situation from a better perspective and to show the created concepts. At every interview, more perspectives and ideas were created.  

Therefore, as the co-design method was creating and testing a concept, out of the most liked concepts, two cardboard prototypes were made beforehand. The snake and the folder concept. To the co-design session, some scrap cardboard, paper and markers were brought, with the goal of creating some possible concepts together with the co-design participant. When finished, the pre-made cardboard prototypes were discussed together with already existing products. During the interview questions about these concepts were asked, to find out what would or would not work for the co-design participant.  

Co-design results

Five codesign sessions were scheduled to develop the product. We began with an open discussion about what problems the participant encountered. With all the information in mind, we proceeded to focus on a specific subject and start researching practical solutions. The entire co-design results can be seen by using the button on the right.

Team: 

Yael Easton (s2625288)

Sofia de Gruijter Eguiluz (s2571021)

Abby Keus (s2384744) 

Johan Lagemaat (s2367440)

Lara Oosting (s2277344)

Britt van Slooten (s2531690)

Edward de Smalen Sanchez (s2236036) 

Project coordinators: 

Jelle van Dijk

Eva Blokhuis

Niels van Huizen

contact: 

Jelle.vandijk@utwente.nl 

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