simPODD, an AAC app for children and teens
At AssistiveWare, we design communication apps for those with speaking disabilities. simPODD is a text-to-speech application based on the popular PODD vocabulary created by Gayle Porter. It is the only iPad app for PODD which combines both the digital page sets and a printing interface in one app.
Role : UX/UI, Prototyping, Design System, accessibility
Tools : Sketch, Photoshop, Illustrator
Role : UX/UI, Prototyping, Design System, accessibility
Tools : Sketch, Photoshop, Illustrator
What is PODD?
PODD is a popular vocabulary system which contains all the words in the English language system, organised in a specific way to enable easy communication for those with speech impairments. PODD started off as a communication system devised for those with Cerebral Palsy, a condition in which a person loses their physical and motor skills but can be cognitively sharp. The PODD books were originally designed as spiral bound books containing words and symbols laid out in a way that you start from page one and are directed through the book to be able to create sentences.
The user -
There are more than thousands of families that use PODD. PODD could be considered for anyone who would benefit from using tools to support communicating with others, and they can be personalised and adjusted to suit a person of any age. The aim of a PODD is to provide vocabulary for use in multiple environments, with a range of messages, across a range of topics. Selection of words and symbols in the PODD can be made by pointing, looking or other combinations of methods. Parents often learn about PODD with a big printed book with laminated pages. The question is how a child with severe impairments could ever learn to carry it, much less use it.
Image credits - AssistiveWare
Using the existing PODD book, printing software was tedious. Users required reading heaps of documentation to understand how to set up, export, and construct their book. They found vocabulary editing in the existing solution difficult and, as a result, didn't update their child or student's books often enough.
Creating simPODD -
simPODD is an app that aims to combine the digital and the print world. This was the inspiration behind the logo design, to create a symbol that brings the two important features together. While choosing brand colors it was important to ensure compliance to AA standard contrast ratios.
The application uses Symbolstix which is a library of dynamic symbols used for communication. They depict activities and people through stick figures. Using a symbol on a button makes it a vocabulary button. The function buttons like controls or delete word were designed to suit the tone of the app while being distinguishable from the vocabulary buttons.
An app designed specifically for 
only AAC app with printing interface
A range of dialects and voices available
Onboarding and interface -
When you start the app, you choose a subscription that suits you, and then go on to setting up your user. We have localised vocabulary with an astounding set of voices to choose from. Choosing between page-sets is very easy and optimised for various levels. The AssistiveWare website has plenty of supporting material to help users make an informed decision. The onboarding and set up follow Apple’s Interface Guidelines and reduce cognitive load to ensure a smooth set-up.
simPODD lets you be you. Choose from 40 voices, from friendly adult voices to genuine children’s voices with Australian, American, British and more regional accents. The voices are created using real recorded speech, so they sound surprisingly natural. All of the PODD digital page sets include: 15 Preschool, 15+ Preschool, 15 School, 15+ School, 60 Complex Syntax, 60 Expanded Key Word. Personalizing the app, editing and managing your books and page sets is smoother and saves you time and effort and makes it easier to just start communicating!
Creating a design system that is inclusive and forward thinking
We developed a design system following Atomic Design method that would serve as a comprehensive set of guidelines, components, and assets to maintain consistency, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall quality of design and development processes. It has reusable components, templates and accessibility guidelines. Design systems built with accessibility in mind are more adaptable to future technologies and changes. As technology evolves, accessible design practices provide a foundation for seamless integration of new features and ensure the continued usability of the application.
Testing and Learning -
Testing was a key part of the process. The designs went through multiple iterations before they were ready to ship. Testing was done sometimes remotely with our users abroad and sometimes in our Amsterdam office. The participants were asked to pick a few of the language symbol cut outs to express their feelings after using the prototype. Something I learned doing this was how different parts of the company come together to make a product. Each team is crucial, be it support or marketing. This emphasized the importance of bringing different teams and stakeholders to work towards a common goal right at the beginning of a project.
What I’ve learnt from this
AAC empowers individuals with communication impairments to express their thoughts, needs, and desires effectively. Advocating for AAC ensures that these individuals have a voice and can actively participate in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social interactions.
What I’ve learnt from this
AAC empowers individuals with communication impairments to express their thoughts, needs, and desires effectively. Advocating for AAC ensures that these individuals have a voice and can actively participate in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social interactions.
Advocating for AAC helps raise awareness and promote understanding of communication disabilities and the importance of inclusive communication practices. This reduces stigma and discrimination, fostering a more inclusive and supportive society for individuals with disabilities. It is essential for promoting empowerment, inclusion, equality, quality of life, education, research and development, policy change, and awareness. It plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals with communication impairments have the opportunity to fully participate and thrive in society.
This was my first experiencing working on a communication app in the AAC field. It made me learn how important designing for accessibility is. A significant percentage of users in the world have some partial visual impairments and considering them while designing opened a lot of opportunities.
The other highlight was attempting to design an application that gives those with communication problems a chance to express themselves. Feedback from the users was extremely overwhelming and I felt proud to be a part of the team and this journey. This is an application I will always cherish working on.
