• Limited or complete lack of speech
• Inability to identify common objects
• Difficulty expressing needs and/or wants
• Difficulty responding to questions
• Poor response to verbal instructions
• Limited attention to people and objects in their environment

It’s important that the app developer meet their users’ needs. In order for the app to be user friendly and functional, all user strengths and weaknesses must be considered. The goal of any app is for the user to be able to easily access, navigate, and comprehend information in a reasonable manner.

This thesis proposes to show the importance of considering target audience challenges in the development of ASD learning apps. Overly bright colors and flashing or blinking lights can make the use of these applications almost painful for those who suffer from ASD. These design obstacles, including overly distracting sounds, must be considered when developing an app for the ASD target audience. B. F. Skinner, world-renowned psychologist, believed that behavior is maintained from one condition to another through similar or same consequences. He theorized that behaviors are causal factors influenced by consequences and that behavioral engineering can be achieved through systematic allocation of external rewards. Gamification is similar in taking a non-game concept and applying gaming thinking and mechanics to engage the user and solve problems. In addition to the use of B. F. Skinners’ research and Gamification methodologies, the advising of a behavioral therapist has been useful in pinpointing specific challenges. An app that addresses ASD sensory input challenges will be developed to show proof of concept that incorporating Gamification as well as consideration of user limitations will create a more effective app.

a.   Problem Statement
i.   Many mainstream learning apps often overlook users who have Autism Spectrum Disorders, and as a result, fail to address their needs.

b.   Autism Spectrum Disorder
i.   Definition -  Autism spectrum disorders are life-long neurodevelopmental disabilities with onset before 36 months

ii.   Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder

1.        Limited or complete lack of speech, Inability to identify common objects, Difficulty expressing needs and/or wants, Difficulty responding to questions, Poor response to verbal instructions, Limited attention to people and objects in their environment

II. Interfaces and Layouts

a.   Mainstream vs. ASD Interfaces and Layouts
i.   W3C Extended Guidelines for Mobile Web Best Practices

1.   Web accessibility HTML Standards / CSS

b.   Influences-

i.   Gobug was toy created by two students, who won a competition, that require the contestants to create an interactive toy for autism children. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/gobugautism-connects- design-ch-158351

ii.   Kevin Sitek, founder of the Lillie’s Pad website and interactive designer. Lillie’s Pad, critiques mobile apps specifically built for
special needs children. http://www.lilliespad.com

iii.   Belinda Radcliffe, an Australian clinical psychologist, author, founder, and director of Interactive Feelings, http://ipadkids.com/app-maker-interactive-feelings-targets- happiness-in-special-needs-children/

c.   Obstacles and challenges of the ASD User
i.   Limited or complete lack of speech ii.   Inability to identify common objects
iii.   Difficulty expressing needs and/or wants iv.   Difficulty responding to questions
v.   Poor response to verbal instructions

d.   Proposed Solutions- It’s important that the app developer meet their users’ needs. In order for the app to be user friendly and functional, all user strengths and weaknesses must be considered.

III.  Current Trends

a.   Application Examples
i.   Marble Math Junior by Artgig Studio (Artgig Apps)

http://www.marblemath.com/

ii.   Alien Buddies by Artgig Studio (Artgig Apps)

http://www.artgigapps.com/

b.   Web Accessibility Standards i.    www.W3c.org
c.   Gamification

i.   Real Gamification Mechanics Require Simplicity And, Yes, Game Designers Can Do It. http://techcrunch.com/2012/12/08/real-vs- fake-gamification-mechanics/

IV. Project Description

a.   Design Goals- The purpose of the research is to test and prove that gaming techniques and creative interfaces are effective learning tools for patients with Autism. I will do an exploration in interfaces that address
the behavioral development of those with Autism and related disorders, and their learning obstacles and challenges.

b.   Possible Solutions

i.   For the visual component, I will conduct research on interfaces that will address the learning obstacles and challenges of those with Autism. Through my research I will create a web based prototype that will be support my thesis by showing an interface that uses stimulus equivalence and fading to teach sight words to Autistic users. I will use Adobe Flash Professional and Action Script
3.0 to create the prototype.

c.   Relevant Processes

i.   Visual Component Action Plan

1.   Schedule meeting times with Behavioral Specialist: Consistent meeting times will be used to, discuss and research appropriate learning methods; establish Sensory design obstacles such as sounds, bright colors, and flashing and blinking lights; create a list of visual prompts; conduct research on input devices that will enable self-stimulatory behaviors, repetition and the allowance for continuous manipulation of the interface; and develop overall concept and a
cognitive model.

2.   Hosting / Programming Research: Setup hosting service that will accommodate web application needs. Consider future advancements in app when choosing a hosting service. Research best HTML and Action Script 3.0 coding techniques to create web application.

3.   Sketch and Story Board: Sketch and Story board example
of interfaces and meet with Behavioral Specialist to refine and test cognition. Create a site map to assist in defining interface mapping. Choose an appropriate interface.

4.   Visualization Tools and Survey Testing: Create paper
prototype and survey. Conduct a survey to test Cognition,

V.  Project Feedback
User Experience, and Navigation. Prototype will be tested by the behavioral
specialist.

5.   Evaluation Results / Refinements: Based on the results of teacher evaluations, make appropriate changes, and create a working online wireframe to test Interface and technical aspects of the system. Testing will be conducted by the behavioral specialist, his clients, and their teachers. An evaluation will capture the data.

6.   Refinements: Based on captured data make the appropriate updates and changes, and meet with behavioral specialist for further recommendations.

7.   Create Prototype: Once appropriate updates and changes
have been done, start the production of a
working prototype. Use appropriate research coding methods.

8.   Prototype Testing / Refined: Prototype will be fully tested
by behavioral specialist and his clients. Testing will be video recorded to show proof of success
a.   User Response
i.   Teaching will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the user interface and layout.
b.   Areas to be Improved
i.   Will be determined after analysis of teacher evaluations

VI. Conclusion

a.   Best Practices
i.   Will be determined after analysis of teacher evaluations b.   Satisfaction of Thesis goals
i.   Will be determined after analysis of teacher evaluations

Bibliography

Challenges for ASD
http://www.autism-community.com/communication/challenges-for-asd/ Retrieved: Feb 10, 2013

O’Neil, Faith. Ipad kids: App Maker “Interactive Feelings” Targets Happiness in Special Needs
Children
http://ipadkids.com/app-maker-interactive-feelings-targets-happiness-in-special-needs- children/
Retrieved: January 19, 2013

Sitek, Kevin. Lilliespad http://www.lilliespad.com/about-us/ Retrieved: January 19, 2013

Gobug
Core77. Autism Connects: Gobug
Interactivehttp://www.core77.com/blog/competition/autism_connects_gobug_interactive_to_1926
2.asp, Retrieved: January 19, 2013

Apartment Therapy. Gobug Autism Connects Design http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/gobugautism-connects-design-ch-158351, Retrieved: January 19, 2013

W3C.org (. Extended guidelines for mobile web best practices 1.0 http://www.w3.org/TR/2009/NOTE-mwbp-guidelines-20091020/ Retrieved: Mar 3, 2013

User will select from a library of shapes.

User will match the correct shape, by dragging and dropping.

As the user continues to drag the apple over the bigger apple the bigger shape will morph into the word (apple).

The mechanics of games and their creative interfaces are useful learning tools to promote positive communicative and behavioral skills in Autistic users.

Visual Component Description:

For the visual component, I will conduct research on interfaces that will address the learning obstacles and challenges of those with Autism. Through my research I will create a web based prototype that will be support my thesis by showing an interface that uses stimulus equivalence and fading to teach sight words to Autistic users. I will use Adobe Flash Professional and Action Script 3.0 to create the prototype.

Visual Component Action Plan (The following steps will be done while enrolled in ITGM755):

The following steps will be done to create the visual component:

1. Schedule meeting times with Behavioral Specialist:
   Consistent meeting times will be used to, discuss and research appropriate learning methods; establish Sensory design obstacles such as sounds, bright colors, and flashing and blinking lights; create a list of visual prompts; conduct research on input devices that will enable self-stimulatory behaviors, repetition and the allowance for continuous manipulation of the interface; and develop overall concept and a
   cognitive model.
2. Hosting / Programming Research:Setup hosting service that will accommodate web application needs. Consider future advancements in app when choosing a hosting service. Research best HTML and Action Script 3.0 coding techniques to create web application.

3. Sketch and Story Board:Sketch and Story board example of interfaces and meet with Behavioral Specialist to refine and test cognition. Create a site map to assist in defining interface mapping. Choose an appropriate interface.
4. Visualization Tools and Survey Testing:Create paper prototype and survey. Conduct a survey to test Cognition, User Experience, and Navigation. Prototype will be tested by the behavioral specialist.
5. Survey Results / Refinements:
   Based on the results of the survey, make appropriate changes, and create a working online wireframe to test Interface and technical aspects of the system. Testing will be conducted by the behavioral specialist and his clients. An online survey will capture
   the data.
6. Refinements:Based on captured data make the appropriate updates and changes, and meet with behavioral specialist for further recommendations.
7. Create Prototype:Once appropriate updates and changes have been done, start the production of a
   working prototype. Use appropriate research coding methods.
8. Prototype Testing / Refined:Prototype will be fully tested by behavioral specialist and his clients. Testing will be video recorded to show proof of success.

9. Presentation ITGM765 Thesis Review:
   Present research and visual component:
   1. Thesis Introduction / Statement / Influences
   2. Visual component description, Sketches and Story Boards
   3. Working Prototype
   - User will be able to select a library of 6 visual prompts
   - Users will be able to use interface to simulate stimulus equivalence and fading to learn site words.

Kevin Sitek, founder of the Lillie’s Pad website and interactive designer. Lillie’s Pad, critiques mobile apps specifically built for special needs children.
http://www.lilliespad.com

Belinda Radcliffe, an Australian clinical psychologist, author, founder, and director of Interactive Feelings,
http://ipadkids.com/app-maker-interactive-feelings-targets-happiness-in-special-needs-children/

Here is my research paper:
Artist Influences Paper

The purpose of the research is to test and prove that gaming techniques and creative interfaces are effective learning tools for patients with Autism. I will do an exploration in interfaces that address the behavioral development of those with Autism and related disorders, and their learning obstacles and challenges.

Gross motor skills use the large muscles of the body to perform major body functions such as walking, kicking, maintaining balance and coordination, and sitting. These abilities are developed between the ages of birth and 5yrs old and have connections with other physical functions as well. For example, maintaining upper body support will affect the ability to write. Having volunteered in the past with children who lacked sufficient motor development, I have seen how it can hinder general physical development. I wish to conduct research and prove that gaming techniques and interfaces will support Motor Skills development in children ages 2-5. To support this claim, I will create an application that will provide supplemental gross motor skills training. Design obstacles to consider may be weak muscles, limited range of motion, and lack of balance and coordination. To engage the user, elementary visuals will be incorporated to establish relatability and comprehension as well as an established system of reward.

This project appeals to me since I have friends who struggle with day-to-day organization, not from a lack of effort. Many people have challenges with organization that interfere with their ability to accomplish set goals; this is especially true for adults that are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and related Executive Functioning Disorders. I will conduct research in finding gaming techniques and interfaces that will assist in engaging and encouraging users with Executive-function disorders to successfully manage and organize areas of their lives. The goal of this research is to use gaming and interactive design methods to promote and reinforce organization, among those who are lack organizational skills and with executive-function disorders.

An application prototype will be created to test this theory. Design obstacles that may need to be addressed include distractions, which can be resolved by blocking access to distracting applications such as Facebook, Twitter, games, etc, as well as incorporating other features such as a ‘white noise’ sounds. Task analysis of common or customized tasks can be incorporated to assist with daily mapping, organization, and scheduling. Positive reinforcement by incorporating rewards for obtaining goals will be used as a method to keep the users attention as well as a way to engage the user.