Empowering neurodiverse individuals
Stby and Future Ready Design partnered to research and develop a digital tool for autistic students, in close collaboration with the autism community at the Utrecht University of Applied Arts (HKU). Stby led the research, while Future Ready Design handled the prototype creation and refinement, and the autism community hosted the pilot and served as the collaboration partner.
Founded to support autistic students, this community fosters connections through themed meetings and app groups, promoting belonging, empowerment, and recognition. We collaborated closely with a group of students over a period of 6 months.
The group expressed an interest in a technological solution that could empower neurodiverse individuals to monitor their personal limits, manage energy levels, and optimise their schedules. The solution could be a personalised, self-learning calendar that gives suggestions to its owner, but other solutions are welcome.
The project was funded by CommuniCity, a transformative citizen-centred programme funded by the EU. A series of 3 rounds of Open Calls will lead to 100 pilots in 3 years. Through open calls, CommuniCity works together with tech providers, organisations, cities and their residents to develop innovative technology solutions to overcome digital, urban and social challenges faced by the marginalised communities.
Going beyond discussing the challenges autistic students encounter in daily life
Recognising that our core team at Stby is not neurodiverse, we started with initial deskresearch to ensure our co-creation sessions were respectful of participants’ potential needs and created a safe space for sharing. This preliminary research was conducted as part of Stby’s internal R&D, allowing us to dedicate time beyond the CommuniCity pilot’s budget.
After the deskresearch and initial conversations with the target group, we formulated research principles that were used throughout the project. Additionally, valuable conversations with two network ambassadors informed our process and working methods.
During the co-creation session with the students, we went beyond discussing the challenges autistic students encounter in their daily lives. We collaboratively mapped the impact of their struggles on themselves and those around them.
Help me understand the impact on myself (energy) and impact on the environment (social)
We named the prototype ‘Sue’. Sue was built by Future Ready Design based on the research by Stby. To test this prototype in real life, we collaborated with 5 students. We had an in-person meeting at HKU to share and explore the prototype app, and to gather initial observations and feedback.
Sue’s contribution and potential impact on neurodiverse students
We formulated Sue’s contribution and potential impact based on all our research: conversations, data and observations. Three key elements are self-determination, social integration and autonomy.
It is essential that Sue provides feedback based on the information given without judgment, enabling users to discover patterns themselves. Sue does not interpret; she serves as a mirror for the user.
Present me a mirror so I can learn what works for me and what not
Within the community of autistic students, we observed variations in needs and usage. For instance, young people who have recently been diagnosed and young people who have been diagnosed a long time ago have different needs.
Stby made a list with recommendations to improve the prototype. With the last iteration of the prototype we round off the CommuniCity pilot project. We are very interested in developing this prototype further to offer support to neurodiverse young individuals.