Spectrum
Spectrum
project overview
Spectrum was created to provide an accessible space for users within the neurodivergent community to find and apply for jobs based on their interests and goals
This design concept was created during an Adobe Creative Jam live event co-sponsored by General Assembly.
guidelines for design
When designing for the neurodivergent, some aspects that neurotypicals experience when interacting with a design overlap. What sets them apart however is the lasting effect or even triggers that can occur because of an experience. Being overwhelmed by an abundance of information affects someone on the spectrum on a different level.
Based on guidelines in an article from DesignMantic, we focused on:
• Clear and simple iconography
• Color Sensitivity
• Font Legibility
• Cognitive Overload
next steps
Test feasibility of concept » The best next step for our design would be to test it with our target user group. Time was a major factor in completing this challenge. We used secondary research from sources that provided high-level information. Getting the perspective of those who can tell us where our concept hits the mark and where we might have gone askew will be vital to any updates we make. By doing this we can take our idea from concept to reality.
big takeaway
The biggest takeaway from this project is the importance of accessibility in design » A lot of the findings related to user problems for the neurodiverse overlapped with user problems for the neurotypical i.e. cognitive overload. The thing that separated them was the intensity with which each user experiences it. This project also brought to light the need for a way to remove bias’ from decisions and redirect the focus to the ability of a person in spite of any challenges.
challenge
Design a third-party mobile app to help underrepresented creatives access hiring opportunities, showcases, communities, and/or other resources that ultimately empower them and allow them to thrive.
Underrepresented groups include BIPOC, neurodiverse, and people with disabilities. Our design had to even the playing field for these groups while encouraging continued use of the product through inclusivity and engagement.
How can using this app empower and help them amplify their creativity? How can professional diversity add to the value of the product?
Full project brief: https://bit.ly/375XNfh
Image made by Krys Burnette
Image made by Krys Burnette
Color Switch
One of our findings while researching involved color sensitivity. While our interface is designed with a neurodiverse friendly color palette, we wanted to ensure that the option to turn off all colors was available.
Color Switch
One of our findings while researching involved color sensitivity. While our interface is designed with a neurodiverse friendly color palette, we wanted to ensure that the option to turn off all colors was available.
Limitation
There are limits placed on certain features, such as applying for jobs, to help prevent cognitive overload for users. In the above example, it indicates that users can only apply to five jobs per day.
Limitation
There are limits placed on certain features, such as applying for jobs, to help prevent cognitive overload for users. In the above example, it indicates that users can only apply to five jobs per day.
Simple Icons and Fonts
Throughout the design, text and icons are kept simple. They directly correlate with what the user is looking for and help to avoid visual overwhlem.
Simple Icons and Fonts
Throughout the design, text and icons are kept simple. They directly correlate with what the user is looking for and help to avoid visual overwhlem.
Final sketches after brainstoming
Inspiration: Hiki
While looking into services that cater to the neurodiverse, my team came across the app called Hiki. Hiki is a dating app much like Tinder and Bumble but designed for people on the spectrum. Hiki is a Hawaiian word that means “able”. The app creates an environment that fosters friendship and relationships for autistic individuals.
What made Hiki stand out, and lead to it being a prime example for our design, was the vocabulary and structure. The app from start to finish uses language and design catered towards neurodiverse people. From the color scheme that helps those who have color sensitivity to asking questions that highlight their condition in a positive light.
Our discoveries
Our discoveries
Team: Tierney Sadowski, Ali Zadeh
Team: Tierney Sadowski, Ali Zadeh
design and ideation
We found that amongst all the underrepresented groups, the neurodiverse community faced a lot of challenges that overlapped with neurotypical individuals.
What set them apart, however, was the preconceived notions surrounding ignorance about the community, conditions, and limitations.
To narrow our focus, we looked deeper into the key terms of the challenge revolving around underrepresented groups and the challenges they face to find an opportunity area to focus on. This included looking at existing products to find areas and examining whether they held space for these groups.
Persona
Design Decisions
Final Design
Choosing Our Audience
Final Design
Inspiration: Hiki
While looking into services that cater to the neurodiverse, my team came across the app called Hiki. Hiki is a dating app much like Tinder and Bumble but designed for people on the spectrum. Hiki is a Hawaiian word that means “able”. The app creates an environment that fosters friendship and relationships for autistic individuals.
What made Hiki stand out, and lead to it being a prime example for our design, is the vocabulary and structure. The app from start to finish uses language and design catered towards neurodiverse people. From the color scheme that helps those who have color sensitivity to asking questions that highlight their condition in a positive light.
Persona
Spectrum
project overview
Spectrum was created to provide an accessible space for users within the neurodivergent community to find and apply for jobs based on their interests and goals.
This design concept was created during an Adobe Creative Jam live event co-sponsored by General Assembly.
challenge
Design a third-party mobile app to help underrepresented creatives access hiring opportunities, showcases, communities, and/or other resources that ultimately empower them and allow them to thrive.
Underrepresented groups include BIPOC, neurodiverse, and people with disabilities. Our design had to even the playing field for these groups while encouraging continued use of the product through inclusivity and engagement.
How can using this app empower and help them amplify their creativity? How can professional diversity add to the value of the product?
Full project brief: https://bit.ly/375XNfh
Choosing Our Audience
To narrow our focus, we looked deeper into the key terms of the challenge revolving around underrepresented groups and the challenges they face to find an opportunity area to focus on. This included looking at existing products to find areas and examining whether they held space for these groups.
We found that amongst all the underrepresented groups, the neurodiverse community faced a lot of challenges that overlapped with neurotypical individuals.
What set them apart, however, is the preconceived notions surrounding ignorance about the community, conditions, and limitations.
Our discoveries
next steps
Test feasibility of concept » The best next step for our design would be to test it with our target user group. Time was a major factor in completing this challenge. We used secondary research from sources that provided high-level information. Getting the perspective of those who can tell us where our concept hits the mark and where we might have gone askew will be vital to any updates we make. By doing this we can take our idea from concept to reality.
big takeaway
The biggest takeaway from this project is the importance of accessibility in design » A lot of the findings related to user problems for the neurodiverse overlapped with user problems for the neurotypical i.e. cognitive overload. The thing that separated them was the intensity with which each user experiences it. This project also brought to light the need for a way to remove bias’ from decisions and redirect the focus to the ability of a person in spite of any challenges.
guidelines for design
When designing for the neurodivergent, some aspects that neurotypicals experience when interacting with a design overlap. What sets them apart however is the lasting effect or even triggers that can occur because of an experience. Being overwhelmed by an abundance of information affects someone on the spectrum on a different level.
Based on guidelines in an article from DesignMantic, we focused on:
• Clear and simple iconography
• Color Sensitivity
• Font Legibility
• Cognitive Overload
Color Switch
One of our findings while researching involved color sensitivity. While our interface is designed with a neurodiverse friendly color palette, we wanted to ensure that the option to turn off all colors was available.
Limitation
There are limits placed on certain features, such as applying for jobs, to help prevent cognitive overload for users. In the above example, it indicates that users can only apply to five jobs per day.
Simple Icons and Fonts
Throughout the design, text and icons are kept simple. They directly correlate with what the user is looking for and help to avoid visual overwhlem.
Final sketches after brainstoming
Design Decisions
design and Ideation
Team: Tierney Sadowski, Ali Zadeh
UX DESIGNER
UX DESIGNER
UX DESIGNER