Designers
Elizabeth Chambers
Year
2024
Category
New Talent
Country
Ireland
School
Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dún Laoghaire
Teacher
Denise McEvoy
»"Spotted – Turning difficulties into possibilities" actively promotes community inclusion by fostering an environment that celebrates and embraces neurodiversity. The project impressed the jury through its solid research process, clear presentation and delightful UX. Spotted has identified a relevant problem – it advocates for neurodiversity acceptance by challenging stereotypes and fostering empowerment as well as empathy.«
Gennett Aku Agbenu and Matthias Schmiedbauer
And the Award goes to...
Three questions for the project team
What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
Spotted presented a unique set of challenges, primarily centred around catering to a diverse user base with distinct needs. Addressing each difficulty required thoughtful design considerations, ranging from adapting the colour scheme to enhancing readability for individuals with dyslexia to minimizing overstimulating graphics and typography for those with ADHD. Moreover, the objective went beyond mere functionality; the goal was to create an immersive experience that blended educational elements with a playful nature. The goal was to avoid creating yet another transient application. Instead, the platform was constructed as a robust foundation for fostering support and understanding—a community for likeminded individuals.
What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
During the development of this project, I recall many instances where its ambitious mission statement seemed daunting and unattainable. Navigating the intricacies of building a solution that caters to such a diverse user base, especially as a newcomer to the field, presented challenges. Yet, within these challenging moments, the lows and my most enlightening 'a-ha' moments unfolded. Whether it was an issue with the copy, UX or colour, each marked a pivotal moment in the application's evolution, enhancing the project's overall quality. Among the phases, the ideation stage stands out as a personal highlight. Engaging in discussions and educating myself on the topic deepened my understanding of the impact such a project could have on people.
Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
Spotted holds immense personal significance to me. It began my entry into the realm of UX design, unveiling the critical importance of inclusivity in design. Since its completion, I've continued to work in UX/UI and actively participated in workshops and interviews to deepen my understanding of how design can seamlessly blend aesthetics with accessibility. Additionally, presenting this project in my college filled me with immense pride, especially when I heard the stories of individuals with learning difficulties who found the application versatile and functional. Their praise underscored the project's meaningful impact to me, solidifying its place as a testament to what the power of thoughtful, inclusive design can do.
