EquiLearn - Enhancing Learning for Autistic Students
Team and Roles
✦ 1 Product Designer (me)
✦ 1 UI Designer
✦ 2 UX Researchers
Timeline
Oct - Dec 2023
(10 weeks)
Tools
Responsibility
✦ Mixed-method Research
✦ UI design
✦ Prototyping
PROJECT
OVERVIEW
EQUILEARN
EquiLearn is a Learning Management System (LMS) designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by autistic students within the education system. The project aims to improve the overall user experience, accessibility, and inclusivity of the learning platform to support neurodiverse students in their educational journey. This case study provides an in-depth exploration of the design challenge, the solution developed, the design process, and key learnings from the project.
DESIGN
CHALLENGE
The design challenge revolves around creating an LMS that caters specifically to the needs of autistic students, addressing issues such as complex navigation, limited accessibility explanations, and challenges in obtaining timely assistance. The goal is to enhance the user experience, streamline assignment processes, and provide comprehensive support for neurodiverse learners.
SOLUTION
CLUTTER FREE
ENVIRONMENT
interactive
accessibility
toolbar
chatbot
multiple submission
Choices
deadline extension
requests
EquiLearn introduces a set of features and improvements aimed at creating a more inclusive and user-friendly learning environment. These include a clutter-free layout, an interactive accessibility toolbar, multiple submission formats, deadline extension requests within the interface, and a chatbot for immediate assistance. The platform also emphasizes user guidance through tutorials to maximize the benefits of accessibility options.
EMPATHIZE
The team conducted interviews with Adaptive Educational Services specialists at IUPUI to understand the prevalence of autism among students and the challenges they face. This secondary research highlighted the need for a tailored educational approach.
DESIGN PROCESS
Empathize
Define
Ideate
Test
Prototype
Autistic Students aged 16 to 28 are a diverse bunch, each with their own superpowers! From artistic wizards to tech geniuses, they're a fantastic group bringing unique talents to the table
The team conducted interviews with Adaptive Educational Services specialists at IUPUI to understand the prevalence of autism among students and the challenges they face.
Autistic individuals often display heightened abilities in pattern recognition and attention to detail. This can lead to a deep understanding of specific subjects or skills.
TARGET GROUP
User evaluations were conducted with autistic students to identify usability issues. Challenges such included complex navigation, limited accessibility tool explanations, and poor contrast and readability.
WHO
WHY
FUN FACT
01
02
OBSERVATIONS AND INTERVIEW
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
OBSERVATIONS AND INTERVIEW
ACCESSIBILITY IN
EXAMINATIONS
The student's use of text-to-speech technology during exams indicates an opportunity for UX design to enhance the accessibility of examination settings and materials. Designing exam environments that cater to specific needs, such as technology from Assistive Technology & Accessibility Centers, can improve the examination experience for students with autism.
04
PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PRESENTATION SUPPORT
The student's panic when facing a crowd and giving presentations highlights the need for UX interventions that provide alternatives to traditional in-person presentations. Virtual or asynchronous presentation formats, along with support resources, can be designed to help students overcome this challenge.
03
Students with autism benefit from highly customized accommodations to address their unique requirements effectively. A one-size-fits-all approach does not suffice, emphasizing the need for adaptable and personalized solutions.
IMPORTANCE OF CUSTOMIZATION
The student's panic when facing a crowd and giving presentations highlights the need for UX interventions that provide alternatives to traditional in-person presentations. Virtual or asynchronous presentation formats, along with support resources, can be designed to help students overcome this challenge.
PUBLIC SPEAKING &
PRESENTATION
01
02
We interviewed 3 users and 2 specialists. User evaluations were conducted with autistic students to identify usability issues. Challenges such included complex navigation, limited accessibility tool explanations, and poor contrast and readability.
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
These statistics provide insights into the prevalence of certain needs and concerns among autistic students regarding the design and functionality of the EquiLearn platform. They highlight areas where improvements can be made to better address the users' requirements and enhance their overall experience.
KEY INSIGHTS
Expressed Need for Intuitive Platform
85%
Expressed privacy concerns
14/20
Consideration of Impact on Learning Practices:
12/20
Request for Comprehensive Tutorials:
75%
Desire for Detailed Accessibility Tool Explanations:
80%
Social Interaction and Isolation
Difficulty forming connections with peers
Struggles in forming connections with educators
Verbal communication challenges
Non-verbal communication challenges
Communication Difficulties
Executive Functioning Issues
Limited accommodation of individual learning needs
Challenges for students with ASD to thrive
Lack of Flexibility in educational systems
THEMATIC ANALYSIS
Problems related to organization
Time management difficulties
Impact on academic progress
BRAINSTORMING
STORYBOARDING
The student's panic when facing a crowd and giving presentations highlights the need for UX interventions that provide alternatives to traditional in-person presentations. Virtual or asynchronous presentation formats, along with support resources, can be designed to help students overcome this challenge.
SOLUTION
01
Magnifier: Click and drag the magnifying glass to magnify text on the screen
Ruler: Click to enable the reading ruler
Screen Mask: Will create a letterbox for focused viewing of a section of the page
Text Options
Decrease: This will decrease the text size
Font: You can change the font that displays on the page
Increase: This will increase the text size
Play Audio
Back: Rewind to the previous paragraph of text
Play: Click the Play button to read the text aloud.
Forward: Skip forward to the next paragraph of text.
ACCESSIBILITY TOOLS
-The dashboard is a streamlined hub within the learning management system, offering students a quick view of their achievements, ongoing courses, and upcoming tasks.
-It simplifies organization and management, empowering autistic students to navigate their coursework efficiently and independently. This feature reinforces the platform's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, enhancing the overall learning experience.
-Additionally, it consists of technology tool such as Text help Read&Write, Dragon Professional, Sonocent Note Taker and Fusion, that will assist autism students in learning in class and out of class.
-It also has counseling and doubt section where they can schedule meetings with academic and mental health counselor
TECHNOLOGY
SUPPORT
02
ASSIGNMENT
03
-Provides multiple ways of submission of assignment like written, audio, video, quizzes.
- Has a feature where autistic students can request to extend the deadline of the assignment
- Breakdown of assignments into steps to better help autistic students understand and submit their work
- Progress bar for each assignment to help autistic students visually understand the progress of their work
COLOUR MODE
04
The Color Mode Accessibility Tool enables autistic individuals to set the interface to either vivid or calm mode, catering to their specific sensory preferences. This customization allows users to create a visual environment that suits their needs, promoting comfort and reducing sensory overstimulation.
MAJOR LEARNINGS
Throughout this project journey, we've discovered the profound impact of tailoring educational technology to the individual needs of autistic students. By engaging directly with their experiences and preferences, we've cultivated a deeper understanding of how to create a supportive learning environment. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to empathy, we've not only developed innovative solutions but also fostered a sense of inclusivity and belonging. This experience has reinforced the importance of listening, adapting, and continuously striving to meet the unique needs of every learner, making education a truly personalized and empowering experience for all.