Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Laura Wallbridge-Bruce

3D Printing

OUGD505: Study Task 1

Graphic design for disabled

Initial Ideas

Speech Therapy

Initial Ideas I started by looking at 3D printed objects which then led me to the book I found online created by a graphic designer. He used brail and a 3D printer to create a book for the blind. I loved this concept and then thought about how I could relate my work to dealing with people with disabilities and how I could possibly help them.

I then started to research speech therapy as my friend who is a therapist can provide me with primary research.

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Laura Wallbridge-Bruce

OUGD505: Study Task 1

Primary Research

Speech Therapist

Angelman Syndrome Carer

Autism Carer

I contacted one of my friends who is a speech therapist to gather more information about communication within her profession.

I contacted a carer of a child with Angelman Syndrome to see whether there were any design opportunities for communicative aids in this field.

I spoke to a carer of a child with Autism once i had decided that this was the route I was going to go down and research in more depth.

Primary Research I carried out an extensive amount of primary research as I needed to know which direction to take my research. I spoke to my friend who is a Speech Therapist, as well as two carers of Angelman Syndrome and Autism. This helped me to come to the conclusion to carry out further research in to Autism, as they would benefit greatly from sensory materials.

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Laura Wallbridge-Bruce

OUGD505: Study Task 1

AAC/PEC Products

Augmentative and alternative communication Pyramid Educational Consultants UK Ltd offers a wide range of consulting services and products for educators and parents of children and adults with autism and related disabilities. Pyramid is a consortium of highly trained professionals dedicated to providing the highest quality service.

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Laura Wallbridge-Bruce

OUGD505: Study Task 1

Existing Products

Existing Products I gathered some imagery for existing products relating to sensory communication, as this is something that Autistic patients benefit from. This has led me to consider my options for what I could potentially produce for this brief. I want it to be as interactive as possible and well suited to those with Autism (perhaps children) and I can then test the product via my friend who is a Speech Therapist and she can see whether it has positive impacts on her patients.

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Laura Wallbridge-Bruce

Sensory signage

OUGD505: Study Task 1

Sensory board

Potential Concepts

Interesting way-finding

Potential Concepts Whilst carrying out my research a few ideas came to my mind for potential concepts. As I am unsure of what the brief will ask me, I didn’t spend too much time thinking about the final outcome.

Above are some of the ideas I had, all designed for patients with Autism. The sensory board is my preferred idea and it could also be adapted in to a book made out of felt with pocket holders so that it is child friendly.

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