Communication Learning User Interface Model for Children with Autism with the Goal-Directed Design Method

Abstract

Children with autism have communication disorder that affects the children face difficulty interacting and communicating with their environment both verbally and non-verbally. To facilitate it, learning visual communication was needed because children with autism were better at receiving information visually than orally. The application of visual communication learning for children with autism developed in digital media used the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) method. However, there was still a weakness in the development of digital media for example; there were no stages in the communication learning process. Therefore, this study modeled a prototype of “Belajar Komunikasi” (BERAKSI) on a mobile application to correct deficiencies in the development of communication learning. The method used to produce an interface that fits the needs and ability of the children with autism was the Goal-Directed Design (GDD) method. To find out the level of success of usability from the prototype, then testing used by usability goals needed for children with autism, namely easy to use, learnability, feedback and good error messages, adequate help and document, appealing interface with the result of usability testing 78% in the excellent category. This category proves that autistic children are satisfied in using the BERAKSI application.