Power-planner
The Power-planner project aimed to design a user-centered solution for individuals on the Autism Spectrum, specifically addressing the challenges of over stimulation in daily life.
Our assigned user struggled with feeling overwhelmed, particularly in environments with excessive sensory input.
Through this project, we crafted a solution to help her manage these moments, fostering organization and balance in her life.
Katinka van der spek
Antony Radstake
Oliver Maddock
Daniela Iamandi
Steyn Knollema
.png)
Design Process
1. Research & Empathy building
To deeply understand the user’s needs, we conducted interviews and research into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Key insights revolved around how overstimulation manifests and its impact on daily activities. To visualize this, we utilized context mapping, scenario sketches, and created a persona – Carla de Jong – to anchor our design process in the real-world struggles and aspirations of our user. Carla’s persona highlighted objectives such as staying organized, improving productivity, and coping better with sensory overload.
2. Ideation & Storyboarding
Using the insights gathered, we explored various solutions through storyboards that depicted scenarios where Carla received notifications about potential overstimulation. This helped her proactively take breaks before reaching her limit. We also illustrated the emotional experience of overstimulation to better empathize with the user.
3. Prototyping and Co-Design
Through a collaborative co-design process, we developed a smartwatch and phone-based application concept.
Carla expressed a preference for minimal notifications and disliked conventional smartwatches due to their distracting nature. Thus, we designed a custom smartwatch that prioritized simplicity, featuring subtle vibration alerts.
- Early App Prototype: A calendar integrated with intensity tracking for upcoming activities, enabling Carla to manage her day proactively.
- Watch Design Iterations: Explored ergonomic shapes and sizes to ensure comfort and usability.
.png)
.png)
4. Testing and Refinement
Several user-testing sessions validated the designs. Carla found the integrated calendar and smartwatch system intuitive and helpful. Feedback helped refine the Krachtplanner app interface, ensuring a balance between functionality and simplicity.
.png)
Final Deliverables & Reflection
The completed project included:
1. Power-planner App: A calendar application for phone, watch, and laptop, helping Carla monitor her schedule and manage overstimulation.
2.Custom Smartwatch Design: A sleek, distraction-free device with subtle notifications tailored for individuals sensitive to overstimulation.
Outcome & Reflection
Carla was thrilled with the final solution, noting its potential to significantly enhance her daily life. She expressed interest in further developing the Krachtplanner concept with professional developers. Furthermore other stakeholders also expressed their interest in further developing this same platform for use cases of communicating with highly autistic/disabled persons in care homes.
As the Chair of the Group, I facilitated cross-disciplinary collaboration, effective brainstorming, and rigorous testing to ensure we delivered a meaningful, user-centered product.
The Power-planner project showcased the importance of empathy and co-design in creating impactful solutions. It reinforced the value of user feedback and iterative design in addressing specific challenges faced by marginalized user groups.
Projects
.png)
.png)
