Functions and use
The final concept design results in a wearable device; a bracelet with a thin string that connects to a ring. The working mechanism stored in the bracelet is a small and compact electronic system consisting of a battery, a charging port, a vibration module, and a button.
The wearable feature of the bracelet allows the user to use the bracelet (and the ring) at all times, while making the working mechanism subtle when functioning. Furthermore, the elegance of the design itself makes it, when not in use, still a sleek accessory to wear. The bracelet can be adjusted to the size of the user’s wrist, while the ring can be placed on the finger of preference of the user. This is possible thanks to the extending mechanism of the string connecting the bracelet and the ring, which adapts to the length between the wrist and the finger.The string connection between the ring and the bracelet allows the user to pull the string with a finger, and consequently activate the vibration module.From this, the bracelet will vibrate a few seconds after the string has been pulled, making the vibration be felt in the area of contact with the users’ wrist.
The battery of the bracelet must be recharged periodically;ideally when the user is not in an environment where interactions with other people are likely to happen.
When the user is involved in any type of verbal communication, the interaction with the bracelet makes him/her more aware of their own verbal repetition. Everytime a point has been made clear, the user moves the finger that wears the ring inwardly. The motion pulls the string, and the vibration module is activated, making the bracelet vibrate in turn. This feedback acts as an external and explicit confirmation that the user has made his/her point clear. Furthermore, the act of pulling the string with a finger encourages the user to become increasingly aware of his/her behaviour, thereby removing any external factor that affects it.
In regard to the design, its features respond to the requirements stated and resulted from our interactions with the participant, as well as background research. Aware of the spontaneous nature of social interactions, verbal communication particularly, the design allows the user to wear and use it throughout the day without cumbersome or tricky use procedures. The working mechanism is extremely simple in this sense, and elegant in its way of helping the user deal with the verbal repetition. The action needed to activate the vibration motor is subtle, as well as the feedback itself. Both interactions adapt easily to social settings, where verbal communication is likely to happen.
Given the time limitations of the project, deepening the causes and determining the factors that influence the verbal repetition of the participant became increasingly difficult. Additionally, although as designers we have acquired (and keep acquiring) knowledge from different fields, there were aspects related to Autism and its nature that became difficult to grasp and investigate in depth. There is no doubt, however, that carrying out a participatory design process increased our understanding of the condition, and the limitations of those who deal with it. From the co-design activities, as well as the multiple interviews with the participant, the challenge:
“Design a product that empowers Mona to decrease her repetition by helping her focus on when she has made herself clear.”
Showed to be influenced by many factors which could not be all investigated through co-design activities, nor the background research. Furthermore, despite the goal of the project is to design a solution that addresses a limitation experienced by a person that deals with Autism, it is an implicit aim to design to a larger target group of specific users.
In this sense, the solution must be broader in its social reach, feasibility and efficacy. From these it was clear that a pragmatic approach to the challenge would be more suitable. We were able to work around the problem at hand instead of investigating the many factors with a consequent high risk of inaccuracy in our results and a design that excluded other possible causes of the same problem. The device aims to help the user deal with the problem on the spot, while encouraging awareness of the psychological and behavioural processes that influence the verbal repetition. Over time, despite not aimed with the design, the user is able to acquire increased awareness of this behaviour and deal with it satisfactorily.
Why does it solve the challenge?
Final Concept
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