Surveys for parents
With the support of an MA student studying Autism, we were able to have a survey shared with parents for a continuous loop of building research of layers. She acted as a bridge between us and the parents, and we received a few more responses through Facebook groups and individuals. Online Survey was created using Google Forms and asked about what senses your child is sensitive to and what tools are helpful when planning a visit to a public location. The results of the survey are listed below.
The result shows there are great motivations for those families to visit museums are (1) having fun and spending time together as a family, (2) seeing science content that aligned with their children’s interests and (3) trying new challenging experiences in a safe setting. However, the fact that making a trip, comforting their children throughout is not an easy task. Pre-planning is a common strategy across these families, but planning ahead can be stressful and time-consuming for parents (Lussenhop et al., 2016). This reminds us that while we place importance on children it is also important not to disregard parents as part of the audience, who need a design to simplify their work.
Need of Iterations
We realised there is a gap between the map and the cards. Therefore, we upgraded the prototypes in both digital and physical aspects. For illustration, Manali created a guideline for visual language then I assisted in improvement. Further, I built the cartoon characters according to the features of the Science Museum.
Further, Manali and I redesigned the visual cards, We took actual elements from the science museum to denote the language as a child may grab the colour and object to relate when visiting the museum. Familiarity plays a key role in comfortability.
Graphics produced a realistic language that provoked visual perception.
Credits: Manali Panchal
Final layout of cards and map
The interactive map
It was a difficult way to build out a technical functioning prototype that make it work, so we asked for help from CTL in LCC, they suggest we solder the wire to make a better connection. In addition, we layer cut acrylic sheets to make the sensory map.
Making process, photo by teammates
VR Experience
We have a virtual reality experience for each site of the science museum, where you could scan the barcode on the visual cue with your phone and jump into reality. For this part, I edited the 360-degree video and added another layer with our brand visual language. This is used by the device produced by Science Museum.
Walking in the space 360 video, by Svaney
Iterative Testing
We ran tests on autistic children in their homes to allow them to experience the developed outcomes under parental supervision. The first test of the design result was conducted with parents of ASD children in order to study the experience through the relationship between parents and their children; the conversation centred around memories of happy and unpleasant outings with family.
Testings at home, Credit: Svaney
The testings showed positive results, children showed great interest in the VR experience and parents liked the interactive map idea because it relieve their burden of checking information compare to previous methods of browsing website by themself.