DESIGN OF A ROBOTIC TOY AND USER INTERFACES FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER RISK ASSESSMENT

Year 2019, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 111 - 129, 01.04.2019

Deniz Uncular Selçuk Artut

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term for a spectrum of complex developmental
disorders resulting in deficits in social communication and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors (APA,
2013). According to research conducted in 2014, one in every 68 children in the United States is
diagnosed with ASD (Baio, 2014). Despite this observation, it is observed that there is no national
screening system in Turkey, and screenings are not conducted systematically (Rakap et al., 2017).
Research in the area revealed that individuals with ASD are more interested in interacting with
technology (e.g. computers, iPad, robots, etc.) than human beings (Fong et al., 2003). This paper
includes research into how to design and use technology to create suitable products for deficits of
ASD. With all the concern over the high prevalence ratios of ASD, this study presents the
methodology and design of a risk assessment device, which aims to capture the interest of children
with ASD aged 3-4, and direct children who score low on the tests towards a diagnosis. The tests in the
device focus on Theory of Mind (ToM) development and designed to detect differences with ToM tests
between ASD and Typically Developing (TD) children. In the scope of the paper, 2D illustrations,
interface design, and outer shell design of the device are created in compliance with the research data
in the field. Finally, outer shell design is 3D printed and surface finishing is completed.

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorder, Interface design, Product design, Risk assessment, Robotic toy, 2D illustration, 3D printing

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