The main goal is to discover which device/tool and what type of notification works best, as well as how to best present this information to DHH users. With respect to different user preferences and priorities, we also aim to provide customizations and optional features.
As a team we came up with following research questions that we wanted to focus on and try getting answer to through qualitative data collection process. Answers to these questions were then used for designing our prototypes and adding features to our device.
The next step that was done is Competitive analysis. We went through all the previous research work and discovered products and understood their challenges and usefulness. This helped us understand the previous discovery to build a better product combining the demerits and the issues that these products had and also get a base on what all have already been worked upon and how useful were they for the actual users (Deaf and Hard of Hearing).
Through the quantitative data that was gathered, the users' priorities and choices were clearly seen. The results were so distinct and helpful for us to decide what device and tool we want to work on and what will be the most helpful one for Deaf and Hard of Hearing drivers.
Device Type
The device preference to receive notifications:
Smartphone (33.3%)
Smartwatch (23.8%)
Wrist based (14.3%)
Other: Seatbelt, dashboard (19%)
Notification
How would you like to be notified of these sounds?
Visual - lights, LED
Vibration
Plain text notification
Aspects
Important aspects of sounds
1. Direction & Name of Sound
2. Severity/Urgency
3. Intensity & Distance
Outside Sound
1. Sirens (e.g. ambulance, fire truck, police, etc)
2. Horns
3. Cars (e.g. noise from other cars, sudden brakes)
Inside Sound
1. Sounds that may suggest a problem with the car
2. Assistive capabilities of the car (like beeping when backing up)
3. Sound from passengers
We conducted a detailed interview with participants involving different scenarios and paper sketching.
Participants Quotes from Interview
Smartwatch prototype displaying the sound information
Smartphone notification with LED lights on the mobile cover
Steering wheel clip-on prototype showing direction and name of the emergency vehicle
As part of the Focus Group, we interacted with a group of three DHH drivers. Shared a background questionnaire. Took feedback on the three MidFi designs and conducted a quick workshop where a Miro link was provided with a base picture of front of the car to all the users to share their design ideas and thoughts for what and how a system might work best for them.
