Designing Interaction Though Sound and Movement with Children on the Autistic Spectrum

Abstract

This paper documents the making of ReacTickles MAGIC, a series of exploratory technology applications that use multi touch and sensor inputs on consumer devices. The ReacTickles concept is based on cause and effect activities that are highly responsive to individual interest. Especially targeted have been individuals on the autism spectrum who experience the most profound impairments in social communication, and have limited opportunities for self expression and meaningful interaction with others. The paper will review the basic design principles that emerged from early research with this target population and describe how these have been embodied in ReacTickles MAGIC. With reference to the impact of participatory design methods, the paper will discuss the early formative evaluation, from which we draw certain conclusions for future concepts.