Case Study: Discovering the needs of neurodivergent children

In 2023, Autsera, a company that specialises in developing tech for neurodivergent children and children with special needs, secured Unlocking Innovation funding from Innovate UK to develop a game for neurodivergent children that would allow them to improve and develop their communication and cooperation skills. The Austera team commissioned Nightingale to carry out qualitative research to inform and shape the design of the game.

The role of design research

The Nightingale team worked with Autsera to understand the aims of the project in detail. Based on this understanding, the team developed a short but thorough programme of research to fit the budget of the grant.

The intention of the research was to give Autsera an initial understanding of the needs of neurodivergent children, their parents and their teachers.

Autsera would then take this understanding and expand upon it to shape and iterate a game that could be used both at home and in school.

We interviewed a parent of two neurodivergent children, as well as three experienced primary teachers. With the parent, we explored the ways in which each child engages with their peers, any issues they experience in communicating and cooperating while at school and any games or interventions that have supported them in developing their social skills. With the teachers, we discussed the ways in which they approach teaching and supporting neurodivergent children, any barriers they experience in supporting children to develop skills and any programmes or games that they find particularly useful in encouraging communication and cooperation among children. We also talked through a basic prototype game with each participant, gathering impressions, feedback and suggestions for improvement.

What the research delivered

From this research, the Nightingale team provided Autsera with:

• a detailed understanding of the key stakeholders they would need to engage with in the development and commercialisation of the product.
• insight into the elements required for their game to fulfil the needs of these stakeholders.
• the potential risks and barriers that the Autsera team would need to consider
• potential opportunities and areas for growth.

The research has allowed the Autsera team to make informed, evidence-based decisions about the next steps to take with their product to ensure its success.