[Archive] Designing for Impact: Spectrum

In the final year of my undergraduate studies, I set out to build something meaningful—something that could make a tangible difference in real lives. The result was Spectrum, a mobile communication app designed for children aged 6–12 with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), many of whom struggle with verbal language.

Rooted in the principles of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Spectrum reimagined picture-based communication in the format of instant messaging. Rather than merely digitizing traditional PECS cards, I wanted to evolve them—to make them social, dynamic, and suited to an increasingly mobile-first world.

Why I Built Spectrum

I was deeply moved by the communication barriers faced by children on the autism spectrum. While physical PECS cards had shown great success in teaching sentence formation visually, they remained static, analog tools. What if we could make PECS digital—not just more convenient, but more engaging and emotionally resonant?

Having seen how captivated neurodivergent learners can be by technology, I envisioned an app that fused that natural engagement with the familiar flow of messaging. A tool that would not just support learning, but also nurture relationships—through pictures.

What Made Spectrum Different

Unlike traditional Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, Spectrum wasn’t just a speech board. It was a fully functional instant messenger—built with empathy and accessibility at its core.

Children composed messages using a strip of PECS-style symbol cards arranged left to right. The interface was modeled on chat apps they might recognize, but optimized for their specific cognitive and sensory needs.

Key features included:

A gesture-based card composer
A suggestion engine using Markov Chains to predict the next likely card
Text-to-speech for reading picture sequences aloud
Push notifications and animated elements for engagement
An intuitive interface following Android UX guidelines
High-contrast and dyslexia-friendly modes
NFC-based friend requests by tapping phones together

The app was built for Android phones and tablets (5" screens and up), with its server running on the AWS Cloud using PHP and MySQL.

Learning Through Participation

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was designing with, not just for, the intended users. I conducted field research at Patcham House, a school for children with complex needs, where I observed their interactions and gathered feedback.

Due to time and ethical review constraints, this research was limited—but invaluable. Children suggested features like animated helpers and intuitive gestures, which shaped Spectrum into something that felt genuinely user-centered. Their creativity and honesty were a masterclass in human-centered design.

Overcoming Real-World Challenges

The process wasn’t without its hurdles. I learned how complex educational environments can be—from navigating proxy networks to complying with ethical approvals for vulnerable populations. These challenges taught me to stay adaptable, humble, and creative under pressure.

It was also my first brush with truly empathetic design: understanding not just what users do, but why they do it, and what emotions lie beneath the surface.

A Lasting Impact

Spectrum was never commercialized, but it remains one of the most important projects I’ve ever worked on. It shifted my perspective on what software can be: not just functional, but profoundly human. It taught me that accessibility isn’t a layer—it’s a mindset. And that “users” aren’t statistics. They’re people, each with unique needs and stories.

Most of all, it gave me a blueprint: If you want to build something meaningful, start by making someone feel understood.