First Name:
Laura
Last Name:
Taylor
Major Department:
Art
Thesis Director:
Mark Nystrom
Date of Thesis:
May 2012
The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate the design process as a methodological tool, apt for solving complex problems with the goal of affecting positive change in the lives of individuals. The major components of this process include skill development, re- search, conceptualization, production, and refinement. Here, these elements are put to task to address the needs of children on the autistic spectrum, specifically where social learning is concerned. The final product takes the form of an application designed and developed on the iOS 5 platform for iPad devices. Under the guidance of thera- pists, educators, and parents, children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) between the ages of four and eight will use the appli- cation to improve their social learning skills.