Customer Requirements:
CR01: Contains a Handle
Importance: 2
WHY- Individuals with Autism who use an AAC app to communicate must be able to hold the tablet as needed to use it in varying environments. Therefore, the tablet case must have a handle suitable for an Autistic child to hold.
HOW - Does the device include a handle?
Is the handle in a location that facilitates comfortable holding of the device?
Does the handle enhance the stability of the user and the tablet when in use?
Does the handle require fine motor skills to use? (Ideally negative)
See also: CR07
CR02: Contains a Stand
Importance: 2
WHY - Individuals with nonverbal Autism may want to use the AAC app in various settings and positions, including sitting at a table. For example, a child who requires AAC to communicate may wish to use the tablet at school, so a table stand is required to position the tablet on the tabletop in a convenient position to use.
HOW - Does the device include a mechanism for propping the tablet up on a table?
Does the mechanism require fine motor skills to use (set up)? (Ideally negative)
Does the mechanism require force in excess of 5N to set up? (Ideally negative)
Does the stand stabilize the tablet against the user’s input, as determined by engineering calculations or computer simulation?
See also: CR06, CR07
CR03: Uses Linear Screen Control
CR04: Quantifiable Position
CANCELED-These two requirements have been canceled upon approval of the customer.
WHY - It was originally presumed that the biggest problem that individuals with nonverbal autism have with using an AAC device is the coupled difficulty with proprioception (where their hand is in space when using the tablet.) It was presumed that the best way to help with this would be to incorporate some screen control mechanism by which the user grabs a handle and moves it in a quantifiable, linear fashion to get to the desired icon in the app. This mechanism was proposed reduce the effort that went into moving the hand to the icon, thereby improving the efficiency with which the autist could use the app.
-This requirement was deemed unnecessary through research, observation, and discussion with the customer. Some tactile positional feedback will still be provided, but does not need to be in the form of a linear control mechanism.
CR03.5: Positional Feedback
Importance: 4
WHY - In place of the canceled Requirements CR03 and CR04, this new requirement has been implemented. Because of the difficulty with proprioception, it is desired to provide the user with some tactile information about where their hand is in relation to the icons on the tablet. This will help them use the tablet easier and more confidently.
HOW - Does device involve a mechanism for tactile positional feedback in relation to the icons on the screen?
Does the mechanism offer adjustability for different sized icons?
Can the mechanism provide tactile feedback without selecting an undesired icon?
Does the mechanism obstruct the screen? (Ideally negative)
Does the mechanism require fine motor skills to use? (Ideally negative)
Does the mechanism require an excess of 5N to use? (Ideally negative)
See also: CR06, CR07
CR05: Incorporates Textures
Importance: 4
WHY - Due to the coupled condition of Sensory Processing Disorder, individuals who use this device may desire or require certain tactile stimuli for comfort. By incorporating textures that are interchangeable, the device becomes more personal, customizable, and improves the user experience.
HOW - Does the device offer textures that can be exchanged?
Are the textures within reach during normal use of the device?
Does removing the texture leave the device ‘incomplete’ or with holes, gaps, etc.? (Ideally negative)
Can the texture be changed by the user?
Does the texture require an excess of 5N to remove? (Ideally negative)
Does the texture require fine motor skills to remove? (Ideally negative)
See also: CR06, CR11
CR06: Simple to Open
Importance: 5
WHY - Due to the coupled condition of fine motor skill difficulties and low muscle tone (low strength) it is necessary for all parts of the device to be simple to operate. This includes the handle, stand, textures, carrying mechanism, etc.
HOW - For all operable parts (those that the user must be able to operate)
Does the feature require an excess of 5N to operate? (Ideally negative)
Does the feature require fine motor skills to operate? (Ideally negative)
Additionally, can the user open the case to clean the tablet?
Does the case allow access to tablet components, such as the headphone jack and charging port?
See also: CR02, CR05
CR07: Supports 1lb Weight
Importance: 3
WHY - Due to the coupled conditions of Sensory Processing Disorder and Low Muscle Tone, individuals with Autism may use more or less force than is necessary to interact with the touchscreen of the tablet. Users may also wish to stabilize themselves against the tablet by leaning an arm on it, etc. For this reason, the device must be able to withstand a 1lb weight without breaking or moving. This is most applicable to the table stand, but also applies to the case itself.
HOW - Can the case withstand a 1lb weight without breaking, as determined by a computer simulation or engineering calculations?
Does the table stand (CR02) remain stable against a 1lb user input from any angle, as determined by a computer simulation or engineering calculations?
Does the positional feedback mechanism (CR03.5) withstand a 1lb weight without breaking, as determined by a computer simulation or engineering calculations?
See also: CR01, CR02, CR03.5
CR08: 5 Year Material Life
Importance: 4
WHY - The device will be subject to a variety of environments and use conditions, ranging from school to playground to home use and more. It may also not be taken very good care of by the autistic individual, and may be stored in less than ideal conditions, such as a backpack, hot car, or messy bedroom. As such, the device must be durable and long-lasting. It must also be long-lasting to reduce the cost to the family.
HOW - What material is the case made of? What is its yield strength?
What is the factor of safety of the device, as determined by material properties, size and shape, and a computer simulation? (Ideally >3)
For operable parts: What is the Mean Time Before Failure, as determined by a computer simulation and/or destructive testing of prototypes? (Ideally >5000?)
During a computer analysis simulating dropping or throwing the device, will it break? (Ideally negative)
CR09: Portable
Importance: 5
WHY - Individuals with nonverbal autism rely on AAC apps to communicate in their daily lives. This dependency is not constrained to the house or the classroom; individuals have a right to communicate wherever they might want to go, be it the store, park, airport, etc. As such, the AAC device must be able to travel with the individual to any location while being convenient to carry and access. An individual can’t use the device if they can’t take it with them.
HOW - Does the device include a carrying mechanism?
Does the carrying mechanism secure the device to the person?
Does the carrying mechanism allow convenient access of the device?
Is the device light? (Ideally <3lbs)
Can the device be used sitting?
Can the device be used standing?
See also: CR01, CR02
CR10: Provide User Stability
Importance: 3
WHY - With the coupled conditions of Sensory Processing Disorder and Fine Motor Difficulties/ Low Muscle Tone, stability is often an issue. If the user doesn’t have stability at the hip and shoulder, they won’t have stability at the end of the arm for selecting tablet icons. As such, it is desired to provide some user stability to improve the ease with which an individual can use the device.
HOW - Does the device include a system for stabilizing the user’s shoulder or hand?
Does the handle (CR01) help improve the user’s arm stability?
Does the Positional Feedback mechanism (CR03.5) help the user’s stability?
Does the Carrying Mechanism (CR09) help the user’s stability?
During testing, can test users with autism perform tasks more quickly or accurately than the baseline test?
See also: CR01, CR02, CR03.5, CR09?
CR11: Provide Positive User Experience
Importance: 5
WHY - In order to develop a successful product, the user must want to use the device. Therefore, providing a positive user experience is important.
HOW - Does the device allow personalization?
Does the device allow for the exchange of functions? Some users might not need all of the functions offered and should be allowed to choose which ones they want.
Does the device look like a medical device? (Ideally negative)
Does the device cater to all the accessibility needs of the user (CR06)?
Are the incorporated textures (CR05) exchangeable?
Can the device be used independently by the user?
Can the user be confident using the device?
Does it fulfill CR01, CR02, CR03.5, CR09, CR10?
During testing, did at least 50% of test users express satisfaction or enjoyment with the device?
See also: CR05, CR06
ID / Description / ImportanceCR01 / Contains Handle / 2
CR02 / Contains Stand / 2
CR03 / Linear Screen Control / -
CR04 / Quantifiable Position / -
CR03.5 / Tactile Positional Feedback / 4
CR05 / Incorporates Textures / 4
CR06 / Simple to Open / 5
CR07 / Supports 1lb Weight / 3
CR08 / 5 Year Material Life / 4
CR09 / Portable / 5
CR10 / Provide User Stability / 3
CR11 / Positive User Experience / 5
Potential Risks
RU01: Choking Hazard
WHY - Small parts could be put in the mouth and pose a choking hazard. If the device breaks, it could also create small shards that could be a choking hazard.
HOW - Does device contain small, loose parts, or parts that could become loose? “Small Parts” is defined as anything that could be put in the mouth (Ideally negative)
If the device does contain small parts, are they secured or covered in order to protect the user?
Does device fulfill CR07, CR08? Especially regarding material strength and factor of safety?
RU02: Broken Parts could cause cuts
WHY - If the device breaks, it could create sharp edges and small shards that could cut the user.
HOW - Does device fulfill CR07, CR08? Especially regarding material strength and factor of safety? Does it pass the simulated drop or throw?
RU03: Sharp edges could cause cuts or fall injuries
WHY - If the device contains sharp edges and corners, the user could be injured by falling on the device or leaning on it.
HOW - Does the device feature sharp edges or corners? (Ideally negative)
If there are sharp corners or edges, are they covered somehow to protect the user?
What is the minimum radius used for edges and corners?
Does device fulfill CR07, CR08? Especially regarding material strength and factor of safety? Does it pass the simulated drop or throw?
RU04: Pinch Points
WHY - Operable parts may pose a pinch hazard, especially at hinges. Users with Sensory Processing Disorder may be unable to carefully avoid placing their fingers in these hazardous areas.
HOW - Do any moving parts pose a risk of pinching? (Ideally negative)
If pinch points are present, are they covered to protect the user?
If pinch points are present, are adjacent features designed to guide the user’s hand away from the danger? i.e. a handle at the other end from the hinge to encourage the user’s hand away from the pinch point
RU05: Obsession Lining up Increments
CANCELED - This Risk has been canceled with the approved cancellation of CR03, CR04
Originally, this risk related to the linear, quantifiable screen control. With the implementation of CR03.5, this risk is no longer valid.
CR06: User throws tablet out of anger or frustration
WHY - Individuals with autism often have difficulty with self-regulation, including the inhibition of actions from anger and frustration. If the user gets angry at the device, because of the device, or just in an unrelated situation in which the device is nearby, the user may throw the tablet. This is unavoidable. If, however, the user throws the tablet and it breaks, it can hurt the user or damage the tablet. It is desirable to avoid these consequences.
HOW - Does device fulfill CR07, CR08, especially in regards to the material strength and factor of safety?
Does device pass the simulated drop or throw in CR08?
ID / Description / ValueRU01 / Choking hazard, small parts / 20
RU02 / Broken parts -> cuts / 16
RU03 / Sharp edges -> cuts / 16
RU04 / Pinch Points, stand / 16
RU05 / Obsession lining up increments / -
RU06 / User throws tablet out of anger, can hurt self or tablet / 16