Augmentative & Alternative Communication Device

This was created through a class at CMU where we were partnered with clients with disabilities at CLASS (Community Living and Support Services) in Pittsburgh. Our client had struggles with communicating difficult messages with people, as well as relatively “simple” messages such as needing some time or space to herself if she was becoming overwhelmed.

The polygonal transmitter box has one button on each side, and each button transmits a different message to the receiver box. The message that each button sends is indicated by a laser etched message printed on each respective side. The receiver box receives the signal and displays the message on an E-Ink display, also lighting up a light strip on top to green to indicate a new message. When the person reading the message has read it, they click a button on the top and the message and light strip clears.

To personalize the device for our client, we brainstormed her favorite colors and characters with her before designing the fabrication of her device.