SOUND AID

An interaction device for ASD children.

Project Client

Beverley School: Beverley School aims approaching to support the educational needs of students who have a developmental and /or physical disability. 

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Children who attending beverley public school between the ages 5 - 15 years old.

Users

The designed product is providing musical therapy to those who cannot perform basic functions.

Observation Research

Those that suffer from a cognitive disability may have trouble performing basic human motions. This is

especially frustrating when attempting to play instruments. Modern day musical devices require very

intricate coordination; which these individuals might not have. Actions may include, but are not limited to

clenching, grabbing, holding, pulling, and pushing.

By visiting Beverly public school, we have been able to observe the reaction children have to music. We

especially noticed the challenge the children face when attempting to participate. Instruments tend to fall

out of their hands and some require very abrupt movements such as the drums and shakers.

Project Aims

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This project aims to conceptualize a new approach to give children the ability to make a sound with minimal movement. When the child sits up straight and against the pad, it plays a nice sound. The sound is reprogrammable any number of times to any desired tune. The benefit of our product is that it will not only target children with disabilities but any family that wants to bring a self-motivated interaction their child can easily perform. This can even be applied as a learning utility for reminding children to sit upright. With the integration of technology and smartphones, lots of people can now actively partake in the child’s well-being. Parents, teachers, and practitioners can all be involved.

Idea Exploration

Concept 1

Feedbacks after real life testing:

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Pros

1. Low Technology

2. Easy to use.

3. Easy to assemble.

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Cons:

1. The springs are not safe.

2. The design is too complicate.

Concept 2

Feedbacks after real life testing:

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1. The clamps cannot fit into different types of chairs.

2. The clamps are not safe.

3. The music instruments did not work very well on the product.

4. The product is not stable on the chair.

Final Design

Prototype

Storyboard

Project design by:

Zhanqing Hu

Aras Puodžiūnas

Danny Rosero M

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For more detailed work and further information, please contact us. Work of 2017.