YEAR:
2017 - 2019
EXPERIENCE:
Design and Prototyping
Designing for Neurodiverse Learners
about.
Creating playful, accessible, and repeatable learning experiences for children with special needs.
In this series of projects, I explored how mixed reality and augmented reality can support neurodiverse learners, particularly children on the autism spectrum. I focused on designing safe spaces for social interaction, sensory learning, and repeated practice at each student's own pace.
Pally.
Helping students with autism practice social transitions in a safe, playful environment.
Overview
Pally is a mixed reality simulation game designed to help students with high-functioning autism (ASD) practice social interactions and transitions, such as moving from elementary to middle school. The experience uses Hololens to create a repeatable, customizable, and psychologically safe environment for learning.
🏆 Winner of the Verizon 5G EdTech Challenge, selected from 10 national teams.
Key Features
Safe Social Simulation:
Students interact with virtual characters and practice reading emotions and initiating conversations.Repeatable Learning:
The system allows students to rehearse social situations at their own pace, as many times as they need.Teacher Dashboard:
Teachers can monitor and track students' social skill development and customize scenarios based on individual needs.Volumetric Capture:
Transitioned to volumetric capture for more realistic and engaging social interactions.
ARound.
ARound is an AR game that helps children with autism recognize geometric shapes in their surroundings, promoting continuous, playful learning both in and outside of the classroom.
🎤 Presented at ISTE and Games for Change Festival, 2018.
Key Features
Shape Scavenger Hunt:
Children find shapes in their environment using AR and character-based visual cues.Motivation through AR:
Popular TV characters and interactive AR experiences keep children engaged.Markerless AR Upgrade:
Developed a second prototype using OpenCV to detect shapes from real-world objects without pre-made markers.
