The Application For Disabilities

The Project

Duration: 3 weeks

Project Type: Personal

Role: UX Research, UI Design

Method: Sketch, Surveys, Interviews, Affinity Wall, Usability Testing, A/B Testing, Preference Test,

Think- Aloud, Wireframes, Prototyping

Tools: Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Google forms

Project Brief

About what?
This is an app that will make it easier for handicapped people to spend time in their current environment by using the app. I also hope that this app will knock on people's consciousness and make it possible for handicapped people and non-handicapped people to live together in a fair environment wherever they go.

For whom?
The handicapped.

What problems are users having?
Even in developed countries, barrier-free access for handicapped and elderly people is still not sufficiently developed.
For example, some subway stations are not equipped with elevators, making it impossible for people in wheelchairs to use the subway.
In addition, Braille blocks and Braille signs for the blind are not as prevalent as in Japan.
Also, there are not many opportunities to see information for the hearing impaired in restaurants or public services in the city.
I would be happy to help create a safer and more comfortable environment for them to live in.

How did I find this need?
When I went to various countries, I found it difficult for people with disabilities to access transportation and public services.
So I shared my experiences and ideas with people with disabilities, and they were very supportive.

I would like to focus on the minimum needs first, and then evolve according to future needs.

The following are some of the services we offer.

Visually impaired people

The camera in the app will read out colors, products, light conditions, etc.

Call a volunteer.

Hearing-impaired

Converts the words of the people speaking to them into text.

Pictogram conversation function.

Language impaired people

Readout loud functions.

Pointing communication function.

People with memory impairment

The app's camera can be adjusted to the target and a note can be left. And later, you can check the memo you left by holding the camera over

the object with the camera.

People who need a wheelchair

Displays a map of facilities equipped with elevators.

*Volunteer function for all targets.

Target

Any age and gender.

Needs

People who are using or want to use public services.
More opportunities for disabled people to go out.
It will reduce the number of accidents involving the disabled.
Make it easier for them to ask for help.
Through this app, support and interest in people with disabilities will increase, and current and future services will include people with disabilities.
The burden on caregivers will be reduced.

Competitive Overview

Method Used

Seeing Eye
Be My Eyes
Petralex Hearing Aid App
TapTapSee
Magnifying Glass +++ Magnifier
BlindSquare
Spread The sign
Wheel map

There are many apps for them.

Apps can take the place of their eyes, ears, and mouths.

However, there are no single apps, and many of them require a fee.

System Goals

Goal 1

To be able to help them become more socially active through this app.

Goal 2

This app will attract more attention and help non-disabled people to pay more attention to disabled people.

Recruiting and Interview Design

I plan to conduct informal unmoderated interviews with three participants between the ages of 14-85.

Visually impaired people
People with hearing disabilities
People with speech disabilities
People who need a wheelchair
Caregivers
People who live and work with the disabled

Interview Criteria

Visually impaired, hearing impaired, language impaired, memory impaired, people who need wheelchairs.
Or people who need these services.
Area: Any
Occupation: Any

Interview Guide and Questions

Below is an outline of potential questions I will use to guide the interviews.

What are some of the problems you are currently having with services applications for people with disabilities?
What situations in the city do you find difficult?
What would you like to see in such services?
Are there any services that you are currently using?

　　If so, what do you use?

Do you think you could be a safer and more comfortable environment to live in if you had this app?

Needs finding and Initial concept

Conduct Needs Finding and Analysis

I conducted research on applications for handicaps.

I assume that the user who uses a handicap help app wants the following things

The UI/UX is designed in such a way that it does not lead the user astray.

　(User-friendly.)

Easy, concise, and simple
No burden on the user
The user can reach the desired function in one or two operations

Current Practice

It has become a standard for cooking applications to have the following features to meet the needs of users.

Current Practice
Visually impaired people
Large text display with read-out function
Hearing-impaired
Able to express feelings by pointing to Emoji, pictures, and letters.
Language impaired people
There is a function that reads out your feelings.
People who need a wheelchair
The map function shows where the wheelchair is accessible.

Functional Requirement

Visually impaired people

Do not use red and green in text and design.

Hearing-impaired

The text-to-speech function is available.

Language impaired people

There is a function that reads out your feelings.

People with memory impairment

The app's camera can be adjusted to the target and a note can be left. And later, they can check the memo they left by holding the camera

over the object with the camera. The app's camera can be adjusted to the target and a note can be left.

People who use a wheelchair

They can see on the map the roads people have taken in wheelchairs.

Constraints

There is a lot of information on one page

There is a long way to go to the desired function.

Visually impaired people

The amount of characters displayed is large and small

Hearing-impaired

No vibration function

Language impaired people

It's a burden when they search to convey their feelings

People with memory impairment

They can't take notes of records right away

People who need a wheelchair

They can't open the map right away

Affinity Wall

Persona

Sketch and ideate storyboard

1. A feature that reads out the text when they hold the camera over the text.

2. A feature that allows them to easily express their feelings.

3. A feature that reads out what it is when they hold the camera over an object.

4. A feature that reads out how much it costs when they hold the camera over the money.

5. A feature to show them in black and white when they see a design with lots of colors.

6. A feature to let others know they are impaired.

7. Map of Impaired friendly places.

8. Simple UI.

9. A feature that allows you to display the text you hold over your mobile phone character by character.

10. Display of stations with elevators.

11. A feature for volunteers to ask for help.

12. A feature that converts what the other party is saying into text.

13. Has a handwriting communication tool function.

14. A feature that shows the brightness of where they are currently.

15. A feature that reads out what it is when they hold the camera over a product.

16. A feature that allows them to point the camera at a landscape and leave it as text.

17. SOS has the required functionality.

18. Memory retention function.

19. A feature that tells them how many colors they hold over the camera.

20. A feature that tells them who the person holding the camera over.

Scoreboard

Low-Fidelity Prototype and

Micro-usability Test

Wireframe

Based on sketches I started creating wireframes.

UI Kit

Following the Style Guide, I crafted a UI Kit that would inform the Design System for Sidekick.

Micro-Usability test plan - Overview

○ Overview

Here, we check if the user can search for recipes without strain and without hesitation.

We will also check if the sort types of what the user wants to search for are sufficient or if there are already too many, burdening the user.

Then, we ask the user to Think-Aloud and find out where the user gets lost and stressed on this app wireframe.

○ Test Goal

Test Goals of this initial user testing is to answer the question:

How is the system less or more efficient for impaired people?

What problems or needs are not addressed when the users are attempting to solve their difficulty using this app?

○ Specific Recruiting and Diversity Criteria

The participants for this user test are people who have impaired.

Non-gender regardless.

In addition, these are the diversity criteria as below.

A person without a disability and who cares for them.

Test Component

Note Taking (laptop)
Audio Recorder
User Test Plan
Tasks
Consent Form
Wireframes
Script
Post-Test Questions

The Sequence of Test Activities

Consent Form
Pre-test Interview
Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
Thank Participants
Post-Test Questionnaire

Consent Form

Logging Sheet

Micro-Usability Test Plan - User Test Script

Pre-test Check List

Double-check that all dates in the task are in the future
Fill in all blanks with the name of the app (all documents, including the test plan, test script, and informed consent form)
Go through all of the tasks before performing the test
Print out the task for the user
Print out each task for the user
Print out a post-test questionnaire
Print out or type into the logging sheet
Print out the user script
Record when the test begins

Pre-test questionnaire

1. Have you ever used an application for people with disabilities?

2. How often do you use them?

3. What are the main useful tools for people with disabilities that you use?

4. What is most important to you when using the application?

5. What frustrations do you have in using them?

6. What features would you like to see in an application for people with disabilities?

Task Instructions

Print tasks and present them, one at a time. Read each task aloud and give the printed sheet to the participant. Make notes of successes and failures while the user performs the test.

Task 1

Go to the page for each disabled person.

Task 2

Go to the page to ask volunteers.

Task 3

Visual impaired

Use the camera function.

Hearing-impaired

Use the visualization function.

Language impaired people

Use the reading function.

Defect of memory

Use the camera function.

People who need a wheelchair

Use the map function.

Post-test Check List

Keep recording when the post-testing
Stop recording, save audio and video
Save informed consent form
Save logging sheet

Debriefing

The focus of the debrief is to walk through any problems that were encountered during the tasks. If any time remains afterward, ask higher-level questions 2-5.

1. Review parts of the test where the user struggled:

(Examples)

What difficulties did you have on ____?
I noticed you struggled with____, can you tell me what happened?
You paused here, tell me more about that.

2. Preferences: What did you think about the app? What did you like/dislike?

3. Changes: If you had 3 enhancements to make this better for you, what would they be? Why?

4. Understanding: How would you describe this to a friend?

5. Use Cases: Under what circumstances would you use this? Why?

User Test Script

Moderator (with a big smile!): Thanks for coming in today! We’re constantly trying to improve our product, and getting your frank feedback is a really important part of that.

The goal for today’s session is to test the application - Sidekick. I’m here to learn from you so I’ll ask a lot of questions, but I’m not testing you. There are no right or wrong answers.

I’ll start this session by asking some background questions. Then I’ll show you some things we’re working on, and ask you to do some tasks. As you work on the tasks, please think aloud.

This means that you should try to give a running commentary on what you're doing as you work through the tasks. Tell me what you're trying to do and how you think you can do it. If you get confused or don't understand something, please tell me. If you see things you like, tell me that too. I want to emphasize that, you won’t hurt my feelings by telling me what you think. In fact, frank, candid feedback is the most helpful.

If you do get stuck, I’m going to try not to answer your questions or tell you what to do. I’m just trying to see what you would do if you were using it on your own.

But don’t worry-- I’ll help you if you get completely stuck. Do you have any questions before we begin?

Consent Form

A present consent form, summarize and receive a signature from test participant.

Conclusion

I think that's all the questions I have for you. I want to leave a little bit of time to see if you have any questions for me about the website, test, or anything like that.

Okay. Then I just want to say thank you very much for participating, and if you have any follow-up questions please let me know and we really appreciate your time. Thank you!!

Post-Questionnaire

Provide the post-test questionnaire to the user at the end of the user test.

For the post-test questionnaire, we will administer the standard SUS questionnaire on paper.

The form should be printed out before each session.

User Test, Mid-prototype

Create Med- Prototype/ Prototype Screens

Before Testing

Survey

User Testing

The target population: 5

Recruitment method: I asked my roommates. I asked a friend of mine who seemed to make a fair decision.

Analysis methods: Interview, Questionnaire, Think-Aloud, Debrief Question, Morae.

Conduct Heuristic Evaluation/ Prioritized List

After Testing

Final UI & What's next

What's next

The following are some of the things I learned through this project and the improvements that I can apply to the next project.

It would have been nice to have a feature where people who care for the disabled could also use this app.
For example, a communication tool for them.
I had a hard time finding candidates to do user testing. Next time I do a project like this one, I will look for an agency (focus group recruiting) or try snowball recruiting from one applicable candidate.