THE CHALLENGE
Translating grammar into intuitive symbols, and testing whether non-linear layouts improve reading comprehension for children with autism compared to traditional text.
1. THE RESEARCH MANUAL
A theoretical guide exploring AAC for children with autism. It analyzes the cognitive relationship between text and illustration, evaluates existing symbol systems, and defines the project's design methodology.
2. DESIGNING NEW, SEMANTICALLY CLEAR SYMBOLS
A new set of highly intuitive glyphs was designed to be compatible with the open-source PASS® (Picture Augmentative Synsemic System) library, which supports people with Complex Communication Needs (CCN). By applying new internal coherence criteria, the project ensured the symbols are immediately recognizable and easy to decode. Discover the project and download the glyphs here: [PASS® Glyphs]
3. PROTOTYPE BOOKS & SPATIAL TESTING
Two prototype books were produced containing the same story but utilizing different layouts:
Prototype 1 (Synsemic Layout): Symbols are arranged non-linearly on the page, mapped onto Sabatini syntactic diagrams.
Prototype 2 (Linear Layout): Symbols follow a traditional, linear sentence structure.
TESTING & KEY RESULTS
In collaboration with Fondazione Paideia, both prototypes were tested with children with autism at the "Il Piccolo Principe" developmental center (Ferrara, Italy). Clinical testing revealed:
Layout impacts comprehension: Non-linear, spatial symbol positioning helps children process syntactic relationships better than linear text.
High accessibility: The new symbols proved exceptionally easy to decode, demonstrating that structured graphic design directly enhances cognitive accessibility.
Il pinguino e la bambina
Books in symbols for Inclusive Design
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
SERVICES
Inclusive Editorial Design
Cognitive & Spatial Usability Research
User-Centered Design for Autism (ASD)
Visual Semiotics & Illustration
CREDITS
Luciano Perondi - PASS Founder
Cecilia Rubertelli - Linguist
Oliver Jeffers - Lost and found's Author
PASS®
MY ROLE
Art Director & Graphic Designer
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