01
Interactive toolkit that supports adults with intellectual disabilities in navigating platonic relationships.
XX
XX
Soli
disciplines
Design Research
Brand Strategy
Print + Packaging
Industrial Design
tools
Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Problem Space
People ages 18-24 with intellectual developmental disabilities have trouble distinguishing what appropriate or inappropriate behaviors are associated with different types of relationships due to the lack of comprehensive education around para-social relationships and norms, leading to feelings of loneliness or risk of exploitation.
Research
Secondary Research
To best understand the problem space, define the design criteria for the key audience as well as potential design solutions, a extensive primary and secondary research over the course of 6 months was conducted.
Primary Research
Affinity diagramming secondary research was a method to source specific pain points to explore further during primary research.
Synthesis
2.
Findings across the secondary and primary research informed key insights which could be categorized into three types of takeaways: teaching methods, methods of communication, and intrinsic challenges faced by the primary audience.
Content Design
Based on the topics captured throughout the research process, the outline for the content of the book was populated. Expert interviews and workshops served as generative methods of gathering key topics to cover throughout the book.
3.
Design Execution
There are three key components to the Soli System: The package, the workbook, and the interactive game. To make sure all maintain design integrity, and address the pain points revealed in the research process, design criteria was outlined as an evaluation method.
Utilize Symbols & Photography
Stylistically Age Appropriate
Symbols and pictures aid users with lower reading comprehension in understanding the content.
Short & Memorable
Language must be clear and direct to avoid miscommunication or confusion.
Inclusive Language
Language must use “us, we, you” to directly address the user and instill feelings of inclusion.
Interactive & Tactile
Design must be physically interactive to help better chunk the information presented and maintain engagement.
Mimic Peer Modeling
Design must display peer modeling and role playing as a method of reinforcing learning by example.
Graphics should feel adult to instill a sense of dignity and avoid infantilization of the user population.
Modular & Flexible
Physical form should be a modular kit of parts as a adaptable system.
Establishing Book Constraints
To better understand what types of graphic assets would be needed later, the grid system and ratio of content to graphics was mapped. Additionally, the types of interactions were established early on to make the production process easier later.
Typeface Selection
Graphic Direction
Multiple directions were explored, but ultimately the high-contrast direction with visually explosive and colorful illustrations were chosen for the dynamic and sharp quality.
Photography
Illustrations
The Complete Brand
The Book At-A-Glance
Final Production
Read The Book
