PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System

A communication system used for non-vocal individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

It is typically a book with a strap that users can travel with and utilize to communicate their needs and wants.

Project Overview

The Product

PECS Book for non-vocal individuals with ASD.

The Problem

Non-vocal individuals with restricted motor skills cannot utilize the PECS book, thereby restricting their access to reinforcers and decreasing their interactions with their environment.

Skills

Qualitative, Behavioral, Attitudinal, Empathy Maps, Personas, Journey Mapping, Field Study, Usability Study

Role & Responsibility

UX Researcher: Methodology, Stakeholders Interview, Data Analysis, Presentation, Insight Development, Persona Development, Next Steps

The Goal

An easy-to-use board that allows non-vocal individuals with restricted motor skills to access reinforcers and interact with their environment.

Methodology & Participant(s)

Field Study, 1 participant (1 Female), Age: 7

Results

Research Summary: We conducted field studies and observations. Using the data received, we created a persona and user journey to understand the users’ needs.

Research Findings: The findings indicated that the user did not have the motor skills required to flip through the pages of the PECS book.

Journey Map

The journey map allowed us walk with the user through the process of accessing and navigating the PECS book. This helped us identify further improvements needed to resolve their identified pain points.

Identify The Problem & Define Goal

The Problem:

Individuals with restricted motor skills were not accounted for in the production of the PECS book.

The Goal:

Change the book to a magnetic board; this removes the need for the gross motor skills required to flip through the pages of the book and pull out the pictures from the velcro within the book; this, in turn, increases the accessibility of the book. Additionally, the user can easily see all the options available to them at a glance.

PRODUCT JOURNEY

PRODUCT JOURNEY

PRODUCT JOURNEY

  • 1. PECS Book (Problem): Velcro, Fine Motor Skills.

  • 2. Sketch 1: The process of accessing an item.

  • 3. Sketch 2- Solution: Magnetic board and magnet pins will eliminate the need for required fine motor skills needed to retrieve velcro icons from PECS book. It also eliminates the motor skills required for flipping through the book. All items are arrayed on the board allowing the client to see all items available to them at a glance.

  • 4. Final Sketch: Final sketch to get an idea of what the board would look like.

  • 5. Final Product: An image grabbed to depict what the final product looked like.

  • A happy client (not the actual client) who can easily communicate.

ROUND 1

  • The user could not flip through the pages of the PECS book.

  • They had a hard time pulling out icons from the velcro pages.

  • This led to frustration for the user when interacting with the book due to their restricted motor skills.

  • They engaged in tantrums whenever they had to use the book (i.e., the book became an aversive stimulus to the user).

2 ROUNDS OF FIELD STUDY

ROUND 2: Magnetic board

  • User was able to mand for the item they wanted.

  • User was able to play with the items in their environment

  • User did not engage in tantrum, nor was frustrated while using the magnetic board.

NEXT STEPS

  • Continue to teach the user fine motor skills

Summary

This project was able to increase the user’s interaction with their environment and gave the user the tools to help them communicate their wants and needs.

Although we eliminated the need for fine motor skills by refining the products, the user learned those fine motor skills and was able to use the PECS book.

“She’s so happy now, I could cry.”

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