The Nature Pad
by Lauren Du Bussion-Perrine
The front of the product is where the activities can be located. The activities are displayed on LCD screens, and when the child has completed an activity, the user will press on the screen and the light will turn from orange to green.
Project Description
The Nature Pad is a product that has been specifically designed for children with ASD, otherwise known as Autism. According to recent studies, approximately 48% of children on the Autism spectrum have sleep disturbances or disorders, including falling asleep and staying asleep during the night. Therefore, the product aims to help this group of children by establishing a clear and consistent bedtime routine, ultimately improving their sleep hygiene. This can have numerous benefits, including longer sleep duration, reduced sleepiness during the day, and improving the speed at which a child can fall asleep.
The product entails a range of elements, including patterned lights, labelled activities, positive reinforcements, nature sounds and patterns, and reminders, all of which aim to create a satisfying and positive experience for the user. The product also has a corresponding app, which allows parents and carers to customise the product to their child's needs. Users can change the colour of lights, sounds, activities and timers.
After the child has completed the activities, the light underneath the organic nature pattern will turn on. This reflects a nature pattern onto the ceiling, helping children immerse themselves in a natural environment. This also helps children to feel calm and soothed, making the process of falling asleep easy and natural.
At the back of the product, the user will find an on/off switch, a speaker and a USB cord. The speaker will emit positive reinforcements when the user has completed an activity to encourage a sense of independence and pride, soft tones to help remind children that they need to complete certain activities, and nature sounds for when they are in bed. There is also a USB cord that allows the product to be portable and connected to other power sources such as power banks.
Front of final prototype
Perspective shot of final prototype
Bio
I am a third-year product design student at the University of Technology Sydney. I am passionate about helping users gain new, exciting, and accommodating experiences through the use of the products. With technological advancements in this era, it is crucial that products support positive and smarter change within the world whilst also maintaining their users’ purposes. I am also very interested in understanding manufacturing methods and processes being implemented in real world scenarios.
previous project / next project
Copyright UTS Product Design 2020