Reflection

This week, we delved into designing for accessibility, with a specific focus on addressing the needs of individuals dealing with a wide range of limitations, including those related to visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive impairments. The insights gained from this session have significant implications for my design work, especially in the context of my autonomous vehicle UI, which is tailored to individuals with mobility issues and brain injuries.

The lecture underscored the pivotal role of accessible colours and contrast, which is particularly relevant for my autonomous vehicle UI. To implement these features effectively, I can ensure that the colour palette and contrast ratios in my design accommodate individuals with visual impairments. This will involve selecting colours that offer sufficient differentiation and ensuring that text and critical elements stand out prominently.

For addressing auditory limitations, the lecture highlighted the importance of offering alternative ways to access information. In the context of my UI, I can include features like voice commands and text-to-speech functionality, allowing users with hearing impairments or cognitive limitations to interact with the system effectively.

When it comes to addressing physical limitations, my autonomous vehicle UI should prioritise ease of navigation and operation. Implementing features like large, well-spaced buttons and voice control can make the interface more accessible to individuals with mobility challenges.

To cater to individuals with brain injuries or cognitive impairments, my design can incorporate user-friendly and straightforward interfaces with clear and concise instructions. The use of universally recognised symbols and icons can enhance comprehension and ease of interaction.

In summary, this lecture has provided me with invaluable insights into how to make my autonomous vehicle UI more accessible to individuals with mobility issues and brain injuries. By considering accessible colour choices, alternative information delivery methods, easy navigation features, and cognitive-friendly design elements, I can ensure that my design is not only innovative but also inclusive and user-friendly for a broad range of users.

Research

I explored an article on ‘How to design delightful dark themes’ by Superhumans, which I found valuable since I've created my autonomous vehicle UI in a dark theme. This article began by discussing the concept of darkening distant surfaces, which I had already implemented in my UI. It emphasises how surfaces become lighter as they get closer to the user, mimicking an environment where the light source is overhead.

The article also highlighted the importance of perceptual contrast when transitioning to a dark theme. I realised that perceived contrast might differ from the numerical values, prompting me to review and potentially enhance the contrast in my UI.

Reducing large blocks of colour to ensure focus on critical elements was another point addressed. I felt I had successfully applied this concept in my UI by maintaining a consistent dark background throughout, facilitating easy focus on essential parts.

Furthermore, the article discouraged the excessive use of pure black and white due to the potential for causing eye strain and fatigue. I reflected on my UI, acknowledging my use of white text on a dark grey background. The article suggested lowering the text opacity to balance contrast and brightness, a tip I plan to incorporate in my dashboard and future projects.

In conclusion, the article proved highly beneficial for my dark-themed UI design, offering insightful points that have expanded my design perspective and will contribute to improving the accessibility of my UI.

Brand Development

This week, I made progress in establishing a brand identity for my autonomous vehicle project. My first step was to brainstorm a suitable name for my company, one that would convey a strong sense of freedom and accessibility for the users. I initially sought inspiration from ChatGPT, but the suggestions it generated didn't quite align with my vision. I aimed for a name that was short, memorable, and directly reflected the essence of my project. To facilitate the naming process, I created a mind map with various options I was considering.

I initially thought horizon would be the name however, I decided to go with roam as it resonates with the core values of the company, encapsulating the concept of freedom, exploration, and independence. It's a word that carries positive connotations of breaking free from limitations and embarking on new journeys. "Roam" is both accessible and memorable, making it a versatile and inclusive choice that embodies the mission of providing individuals with the means to regain their mobility and lead fulfilling lives.

Once I had a name, the next step was to craft a word mark that harmonised with the essence of my brand's mission. I began by sketching design concepts for both "Horizon" and "Roam." My primary objective was to convey the emotions of freedom and spontaneity, particularly with the name "Roam." After careful consideration, I opted for the word mark where an arrow emerges from the 'R' and underlines the remaining letters.

The arrows forward trajectory symbolises progress and movement aligning with the idea of the autonomous vehicle offering newfound freedom and mobility. Additionally, the arrow's path under the letters suggests a supportive and inclusive approach, highlighting the brand's commitment to accessibility and ensuring that everyone can access the benefits of autonomous transportation. This combination of elements not only visually represents the brand's core values but also creates a memorable and dynamic logo that resonates with its target audience.