Nudgo: An interactive system for neuro-diverse social connections

Abstract

This thesis presents the design and testing of a system called the Nudgo system to support the connection building between autistic children and neurotypical adults. Our objective in this research is to create a system that can provide assistance for interactions between autistic children and neurotypical adults, making it easier for them to establish rapport and intimacy and solve the double empathy problem. The embodied and enactive cognition, especially the participatory sensemaking theory, lay the foundation for analysing and modelling interpersonal connections in this project. To enhance the research and design process of this project, I em-ploy the Research through Design (RtD) method. The system undergoes iterative design and refinement across multiple cycles. The whole process is divided into five activities: ideation, design, implementation, workshop, and theory development. Additionally, A combination of User-centered Design (UCD) and Co-design approaches is adopted in workshop activities to better engage target users in the design process. The main outcomes of the research are early prototypes of the Nudgo system, one in wall form and one in tunnel form. These prototypes, com-bined with workshop observations, provide invaluable insights and future guide-lines for the design of the final product. Moreover, the design concept and valida-tion have effectively addressed the majority of the key research questions present-ed in the thesis. The strategies outlined in this research can readily be applied to other RtD projects with similar interests. In the discussion section, sincere suggestions were also proposed for projects advanced using the RtD method in this study.