Adage Communication System
ABOUT
This Augmentative and Assistive Communication system provides a solution for children with Down Syndrome to express themselves non-verbally, considering cognitive and physiological factors.
• protective case for specific anatomical constraints
• grid screen covers for fine-motor targeting
• accompanying pictogram app
CREATED
August — December, 2024
FOCUS
Assistive Care products
CONTEXT
University project
SKILLS
• Design for human factors
• Expert interviews
• Graphic communication
connection
before words
1 child out of every 640 born in the US has Down Syndrome
From 1960 to 2021, the average life expectancy for a person with Down Syndrome increased by 500%, from 10 years to 60 years.
This incredible change is partially due to the focus on early intervention:
support dedicated to children with disabilities.
Priorities of early intervention
for children with Down Syndrome
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Education support
Parental support
Hearing and vision care
Interviews and insights
Melanie Smith
Speech Language Pathologist
DEVELOPMENTAL PATHWAYS
Down Syndrome creates difficulty processing verbal instructions
Multiple sensory cues (sight, sound, demonstrations) help "increase modalities of communication." Despite parents’ concerns that using alternative communication devices at home may further delay speech, studies* show they strengthen the language cortex.
Hina Mahmood
Occupational therapist
GLOBAL DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION
​Fine motor deficiencies cause trouble with "targeting" and "pincer grasp"
Adaptive communication devices should "reduce frustration and amplify the meaning of kids' messages." However, current devices are often not designed for Down Syndrome's physiological constraints.
Margot Rhondeau
Sr. Director of Health & Wellness
NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
Assisted communication strengthens the language cortex, but is prohibitively expensive
Touchscreens, like iPads, are preferred over analog devices, because they are more effective and modifiable as kids age. As a parent herself of a child with Down Syndrome, Margot has found that medical expenses, the limitations of insurance, and parental protectiveness childcare complicated when a disability is involved.
Defining the user group
user group:
children with Down Syndrome, ages 3–6,
who struggle with language acquisition,
with a focus on
communication
a fundamental for parental involvement and care.
Market benchmark
no tech, low tech, & high tech tools
P.E.C.S.
icons
Big Mack
button
QuickTalker
device
NovaChat
tablet
child gives one or several icons to the parent
parent records a single message
parent prints icons and programs audio recordings
touchscreen is customized to child's specific needs
Ease of use
Efficiency
Cost
$44
$155
$249
$5,795
Problem scenario
with parent & child interactions
Sarah wants to listen to her favorite soundtrack, but the PECS pictograms have limited options.
Since Sarah doesn't have the tools to specify what song she wants, she becomes upset.
Delayed language acquisition leaves children feeling unrecognized
and parents feeling frustrated and helpless.
How can I facilitate more fluid communication
between children with Down Syndrome and parents while addressing
physiological and cognitive needs?
Idea pathway 1
low tech, with emphasis on modular, tactile forms
not effective or "robust" enough at communicating
sections with buttons for words
attach more parts as more complex message sequences are needed
Idea pathway 2
using buttons in the style of "QuickTalker"
recessed buttons to address anatomical constraints
impractical, since kids outgrow these forms quickly
resembles "Leapfrog" learning tools
Idea pathway 3
augmentation of touchscreens
-
longevity and adaptability as children age
​
-
more salable to hesitant parents
handle mechanisms designed specifically for my user
too many pinch points
Narrowing the scope
sketches: form and function
Rough models
ideation process
Moodboard
tactile
fluency
-
empathetic design
​
-
friendly and
approachable
​
-
a departure from other therapeutic technologies, which can often feel intimidating
Revising prototypes
polystyrene insulation board
bandsaw & dremel
clay, foamcore, & acrylic
User testing
sized for iPad Pro 11"
sized for iPad Mini
4.05 "
dimensions of handle gap on Mini case
1.10 "
upper average of child hand width & thickness
2.80 "
0.85 "
Finalized models
​A major burden for parents is buying new therapeutic devices as kids age out of the old.
By augmenting a standard household device, Adage lowers cost on families and is adaptable for long–term use.
With Adage, a child only needs
one tablet
one case
one communication system
Refining the concept
Procreate sketching & dimensions
Tactile & customizable
Adage resolves the problem statement
Sarah wants to request her favorite soundtrack.
She tries again... this time, with Adage.
1
She clicks ''activity,''
2
then ''music,''
3
and finally selects her personalized choice.
The interface changes, becoming more specific, while still adhering to the 3 x 2 grid format.
Adage
a comprehensive system for non–verbal communication
With a protective case, a set of grids for targeting the icons, and a companion iOS app,
Adage creates connection between parent and child.
one device,
many years of use
Adage meets users where they are & scales up when they are ready.
Exploded view
silicone overmolding
TPU case & prop
chamfered edges
polycarbonate grid
snap–fit
sliding prop for hands–free option
• develops dexterity
• adapts to changing needs
• approachable to hesitant parents
