Abstract
The role that design engineering plays in the quality of life and well-being of people with autism spectrum disorder around the world is extremely relevant; products are highly helpful when used as “intermediaries” in social interactions, as well as in the reinforcement of cognitive, motor and sensory skills. One of the most significant challenges engineers have to face lies in the complexity of defining those functional requirements of objects that will efficiently satisfy the specific needs of children with autism within a single product. Furthermore, despite the growing trends that point toward the integration of new technologies in the creation of toys for typically developing children, the variety of specialized smart products aimed at children with autism spectrum disorder is very limited. Based on this evidence the KEYme project was created, where a multifunctional smart toy is developed as a reinforcement system for multiple needs which is adaptable to different kinds of autism for therapies, educational centers or family environments. This approach involves the knowledge transfer from the latest neuroscience, medicine and psychology contributions to the engineering and industrial design field.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorder, ASD [1], is a complex neurological disorder; it involves different types of needs, which makes it difficult to create product solutions that are adaptable to all of them
Develop a collaborative product to be used as a facilitator of social interaction and to improve the cognitive, motor and sensory skills of children with special needs
Due to the heterogeneous group of signs and symptoms linked to sub-needs, it was necessary to direct the design of assistive technology toward multifunctionality; this implies including in the same product the satisfaction of various needs, making it possible for it to adapt to the disorder in a flexible way and being adequate for a greater number of users
Summary
ASD [1], is a complex neurological disorder; it involves different types of needs, which makes it difficult to create product solutions that are adaptable to all of them. The project uses a specific design framework for adaptive assistive technology that makes it possible to cover the set of needs included in the ASD classification [1] Using this methodology, a multifunctional toy with interactive and smart properties is developed. KEYme can help the child to develop those skills in which he has difficulties (like social communication and interaction challenges, repetitive and restrictive behavior, over or under sensitivity to perceptual factors) It includes those changes, trends and new concepts that are currently being applied in the market within products for typically developing children. The KEYme project contributes to the improvement of products and their accessibility in the field of human development and social sustainability (equity) It works within the scope of childhood and disability, the wide range of signs and symptoms of assistive technology ASD.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
