See it, Say it, How do we Sort it?
Focused on improving independent travel for autistic adults in Glasgow. I collaborated with Neighbourhood Networks, a local organization supporting individuals with learning disabilities, through a series of three co-design workshops. These sessions provided valuable, real-time insights and helped us collectively reimagine what a better travel experience might look like.
TLDR ; This video is synopsis of the study and the proposal. Feel free to play the video.
BRIEF
This study aims to understand experiences of autistic adults in an ableist society and identifying opportunities to enhance their travel experiences. By examining how societal structures and attitudes disable and marginalize certain groups, the research seeks to design strategies for changing these narratives at a community level, thereby improving the quality of life for neurodiverse individuals.
This study also celebrates neurodiversity and envisions creating environments that are cognitively inclusive. Additionally, it proposes the theory of En-Abelism, exploring its potential to reshape our built environment.
INFO
Glasgow School of Art, Individual Thesis
Duration- 3 Months
Collaborators: Neighbourhood Networks,Glasgow
LEARNINGS
Co-creation
Collaboration
Conceptualization
Qualitative Research
Critical thinking
Stakeholder management
Research writing
Design Thinking
Workshop facilitation
IMPACT
BeeHuman programme and the Universal Express are a product of a collaborative effort from the co-designers/participants of the workshop for whom I am really grateful for. Witnessed the power of design and how it creates spaces for conversation and how they felt empowered.
The work was Presented and pitched to the Glasgow Council Trasport Stratergy Team and also connected Neighbourhood networks with other active Research projects like GALLANT to further make Public Transport inclusive.
REFLECTION
The diagram above represents my self-assessment as a designer throughout the various phases of this project. Initially, with no prior experience in conducting workshops, my facilitation skills were quite low. However, as the project progressed, I gradually found my footing and felt increasingly confident, particularly by the third time I addressed the group.
This project has fostered significant personal and professional growth. Some of my most rewarding moments include witnessing the participants' enthusiastic engagement and contributions during the workshops. Another highlight was seeing someone take a picture of my social experiment tool—made my heart full and reminded me of why I want to design for impact.
POSITIONALITY
SITUATING MYSELF
Before starting the project, I had to confront my biases and preconceived notions about neurodiversity and its challenges. As a neurotypical individual, I recognized that I couldn't fully grasp the real struggles faced by autistic people. However, as a facilitator and a student of design, it was crucial for me to learn how to empathize with them. This meant striving to understand their experiences from the inside, rather than judging them from an outsider's perspective.
Given the sensitivity of the project, I had to keep checking my ethics stand point, consult with the gatekeeper before each engagement take into everyone’s consent into considerations.
Through my research and conversations with interviewees, I realized that the focus on independence needed to expand to include interdependence. As Pete Wharmby discusses in his book Untypical: How the World Isn’t Designed for Autism, the societal emphasis on independence as a marker of success can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals, who often thrive in environments that foster interdependence. This insight prompted me to re-evaluate my project through a different lens, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive, interconnected environments.
DESIGN METHOD
CONTEXTUAL FOCUS
INNOVATION CHALLENGE
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
‘How can a person led approach be employed to create community-level interventions that shift societal narratives and enhance support systems for autistic adults for greater independence in an abelist society?’
RESEARCH QUESTION
CHALLENGE
How might we design more with people with lived experience and embed their voices to be represented?
WORKSHOP FACILITATION
Workshop 1 explored how public transport could be reimagined with autistic adults as co-designers, emphasizing collaborative design and embedding their voices in decision-making to create inclusive, "Designed for the Mind" environments.
Workshop 2 built on insights from the first session, using my engagement tool to discuss potential outcomes, present initial prototypes, and gather feedback for refinement.
NO. OF CO-DESIGNERS : 12 NO.
COMMUNITY WORKERS- 2 NO.
COMM/COMMUNITY WORKERS: 2 NO.
Research plan
Weekly plan Illustration
Situating the Project
Coding Interviews
DISCOVER
RESEARCH METHEDOLOGY
I chose to analyse my secondary research through PEST analysis, Case studies, Books on Autism, Ted Talks. I used service design tools as engagement tools like Journey mapping and Research questions to interact with Interviewees. I also chose Co-design workshops at various phases of the project for more indepth insights which is mentioned further in the document.
THEMATIC ANALYSIS
DEFINING THE RESEARCH FURTHER
Analyzing the data and identifying key opportunities allowed me to define the research direction and shape the next steps in my engagement process.
DESIGN METHOD
CONTEXTUAL FOCUS
INNOVATION CHALLENGE
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
‘How can a person led approach be employed to create community-level interventions that shift societal narratives and enhance support systems for autistic adults for greater independence in an abelist society?’
RESEARCH QUESTION
OUTCOME &
SERVICE PROPOSITIONS
The BeeHuman Programme fosters inclusivity for autistic adults by raising awareness within public services and encouraging community members to wear a symbol of support by wearing a Yellow Lanyard, identyfying themselves, open to help. Inspired by the collaborative nature of bees, it promotes interdependent travel and honors those who assist individuals with hidden disabilities, creating an autism-aware society. The envisioned BeeHuman Portal will further this mission by prioritizing autism-led research, co-designing with autistic adults, and addressing real-world challenges through inclusive public services.
The DreamCarriage reimagines public transport through collaboration with autistic adults, emphasizing "designing for the mind." It incorporates sensory-friendly features and accessibility to ensure dignity and comfort for all passengers, while remaining adaptable to feedback and evolving needs. This initiative demonstrates how public services can thrive when inclusivity is central to the design process.
WEBSITE DESIGN FOR TRANSPORT STAFF TRAINING
NOISE CANCELLING EAR BUDS FOR DURING TRAVELS
AI GENERATED IMAGE FOR FUTURE SCOPING
WEBSITE DESIGN FOR TRANSPORT STAFF TRAINING
HABEE TO HELP LANYARDS AFTER COMPLETING TRANSPORT TRAINING
INFORMATION GUIDE
BRANDING FOR AWARENESS
PRESENTED WORK AT AN EXHIBITION WITH INTERATIVE ELEMENTS
WORKSHOP FACILITATION
Workshop 1 explored how public transport could be reimagined with autistic adults as co-designers, emphasizing collaborative design and embedding their voices in decision-making to create inclusive, "Designed for the Mind" environments.
Workshop 2 built on insights from the first session, using my engagement tool to discuss potential outcomes, present initial prototypes, and gather feedback for refinement.
NO. OF CO-DESIGNERS : 12 NO.
COMMUNITY WORKERS- 2 NO.
COMM/COMMUNITY WORKERS: 2 NO.
MAKING, ITERATING
CO-DESIGNING
