Making Communication Fun and Accessible

This project was developed as part of the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering course The Art of Making: An Introduction to Hand-On System Design and Engineering

Alanna Howe - Brenna Baker - Josh Kurlander - Katie Mcguire - Kylie Wishneski - Shane Conlin - Tyler Johnston - Will Miller

Motivation

"1 in 6 U.S. children ages 2-8 had a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder". (CDC)

Coupled with an increasing push of independent play through tablets and computers, children are struggling more than ever before to make friends and feel comfortable communicating in different social environments.

It All Began With One Question...

How might we create opportunities for interaction and communication between early elementary school students of varying communication abilities?

Research

84 Survey Responses

34 Experts Interviewed

6 Schools Visited

81 Kids Tested With

Through these results, we began to create iterations of what would eventually be called the Buddy Board!

Iteration 1

Low Resolution Prototype

Child #1 selects a picture.

Sound of picture plays.

Child #2 chooses corresponding sound.

Child #2 selects a picture

For our first mock-up of the game, we used foam core, photos, and phone audio to simulate the user experience while playing. We wanted to make sure we were on the right track before we committed more time and funds to this idea.

We tested Iteration 1 at the Bartlet Playground and Carnegie Children's School. We found that the game sparked conversation between kids and many came back asking to play again. Through testing, we noticed that the audio was too quiet and there was a time delay between each turn which needed to be improved in future iterations.

Iteration 2

Low Level Technology

Uses red and blue lights to indicate players turn

Green "correct" light and positive audio feedback

Plays sounds through internal speaker

We continued testing both Iteration 1 and Iteration 2 at the Falk School, Carnegie Children's School, and with children at the First Year Engineering Conference. After multiple iterations and testing; we began developing our final buddy board. The board includes a user-friendly interface with switches, touch pads for all 15 options, interchangeable sounds and images, and an intuitive light display.

Final Iteration

The Buddy Board

The lights light up either blue or red to indicate whose turn it is and then the board uses capacitive touch to determine which option was selected. If the selection is correct, the board shows a rainbow display, whereas if the choice is incorrect, the lights appear yellow and the user is asked to try again.

Overall Testing Results

Learn More About the Buddy Board

Watch the

Buddy Board

in action

Going forward, we hope to improve the consistency of functionality and durability since our target users are young children.

Currently, we've been successful in creating an engaging and inclusive game. In our most recent round of testing, all 20 of our second-grade test users interacted with their partner while playing the game in some capacity, demonstrating that it promotes communication. One student even asked if we could leave it in their classroom so they could play again.

With our testing so far and our future ideas, we hope this game can help start conversations between all kids no matter their communication ability.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Falk School, Carnegie Children's School, Dr. Samosky, and the Art of Making staff.

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The Buddy System