Average Typicality Map For Product Semantics Wrt Neurodivergent Community

The foundation of this project lay in product semantics card sorting exercises, where I

engaged with individuals from the neurodivergent community. As an autistic person, I felt a strong personal connection to the project. The conversations I had during the research phase illuminated the diverse ways in which the autistic community is perceived and the rich, varied experiences within it. This made it a particularly meaningful exercise for me. In this exercise, I asked my participants to categorize images representing various aspects of neurodivergence into groups based on how each image fitted their sense of what's typical.

The process provided invaluable insights into the diverse interpretations and associations related to neurodivergence within different cultural contexts. Using the data gathered from the exercise, I constructed an average typicality map, which illustrated the spectrum of perceptions regarding neurodivergence from most typical to least typical.

The implications of this project are far-reaching, extending beyond mere categorization to inform the conceptualization and design of inclusive products, services, and experiences. By leveraging the insights gleaned from the perception mapping exercise, designers can navigate the complexities of neurodivergent perspectives with greater sensitivity and intentionality, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society.