Bridging CVI Learning & Gaming
In my senior year of undergrad, I decided to take on a passion project and join App Team Carolina where I worked on the Client Team to develop an iOS app that aims to improve Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) in children while providing a fun learning experience when learning how to read.
I had the privilege of continuing the work of various designers and software developers in a completely student-led environment.
A Gap in the Market
There are not many apps on the market for children with CVI. The apps that are on the market currently do not fully support features including High Visual Contrast in Words and sound indicators for correct/incorrect interactions which can be difficult to use for those with vision difficulties.
What is CVI?
Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain that process vision. It's most common in babies and young children, but can continue into adulthood.
Early intervention and therapy, educational support, and other special services may improve the condition over time
Who We Are Designing For
Direct usability tests were not allowed to be conducted on our users because they are under the age of 10. However, focus sessions were conducted with a team of teachers for the visually impaired and Special Education Doctoral students at the University of Northern Colorado
Design Goals for CVI Users
• High contrast visuals with words to provide ease of viewing
• Various drag interaction options to account for low mobility users
• Customizable Settings to accommodate varying literacy levels
• Clear sound indication of correct/incorrect answers
User Personas
Initial User Flow
Prototyping Drag Interactions
Dragging from Right to Left
Dragging from Left to Right
Dragging from Top/Bottom Corners
The concluding design includes Dragging from Left/Right instead of Top/Bottom Corner due to the possibility of users selecting longer words.
After testing with our software developers, the Top/Bottom drag interaction was not included because it would require a reduction in word size to fit larger words. The reduction in font size would not be ideal for visually impaired users.
Prototyping Level Customization Screens
When the user selects a level on the level selection screen, they will be taken to the customization screen for that level. Level Customization options were included to accommodate for varying literacy levels of users.
Prototyping Sounds to Distinguish Correctness
Based on client review and testing, an incorrect sound to distinguish between correct/incorrect answers would best support learning.
Our goals in designing a sound was to create a non-abrasive sound that would evoke a negative tone to clearly distinguish a wrong answer from a positive sound when a correct answer is selected.
Sound #1
This sound was not chosen due to how long the sound is (3 tones)
Sound #2
This sound was ultimately chosen for the shortness and simplicity
Sound #3
This sound was not chosen due to how long the sound is (3 tones)
Sound #4
This sound was not chosen due to it not evoking enough negative connotation
Sound #4
This sound was not chosen due to it not evoking enough negative connotation
App Store Launch - Final Prototype
Prototyping Landing Page Design
Based on client feedback, Design #2 was chosen because it encompasses both simplicity in information presentation and a modern sleek design.
Design #1
Design #2
Design #3
Design #4
App Store Launch - User Feedback
The Impact of Bubbly
Final Thoughts
• Moving forward, future students of App Team Carolina will continue the work in maintaining Bubbly post-app store launch.
• This project provided me with an insightful and rewarding experience where I got to make a real impact on a community that is not well represented in the literacy app market.
• This project taught me the importance of seeing the result of your work, to keep pushing when problems arise.
• My experience working on a completely student-led project gave me lots of opportunities to learn from my peers from different backgrounds and expertise.
