TangiPlan

Abstract

Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience a deficit in cognitive processes responsible for purposeful goal-directed behaviors, known as executive functioning (EF). In an effort to improve EF, we are developing TangiPlan -a set of tangible connected objects that represent tasks children perform during their morning routine. We describe the initial stages of a user-centered design process, consisting of interviews with both domain experts and potential users, followed by paper prototyping. Based on our findings, we formulated preliminary design principles for EF assistive technology: facilitate organization, time management and planning; involve caregivers in the process, but strive to reduce conflict; implement intervention techniques suggested by experts; avoid distraction by mobile phones; avoid intrusion. We discuss the benefits of implementing these principles with a tangible interface, present our prototype design, and describe future directions.

Changing Family Practices with Assistive Technology

“…Another example of a system that provides real-time feedback is 'CASTT' [40], which is designed to support children with ADHD in sustaining attention in the classroom. The system most related to our research is 'TangiPlan', a tangible interface designed to improve executive functioning for children with ADHD during their morning routines [46,48]. TangiPlan consists of multiple tangible objects each representing a task (e.g.…”

“…get dressed) and through an array of LED lights, the child is informed about the remaining time to complete the task. A paper prototype of TangiPlan was evaluated with three users [46] and later a 3D printed model was evaluated with two users [48] with positive feedback. However, TangiPlan, CASTT and ParentGuardian are all designed for the individual and not the family.…”

“…In this paper, we present a supplementary technology-based approach to support families of children with ADHD. Our aim is to assist the family in establishing effective morning and bedtime routines, as these situations can be particularly stressful and frustrating for parents of children with ADHD [14,18,36,46]. Furthermore, an effective bedtime routine is important, as sleep deprivation affects the child's executive functions and manifests in more hyperactivity and inattention, poorer concentration, disruptive behaviors and poor school performance [14,16].…”

A Follow-up Study of a Successful Assistive Technology for Children with ADHD and Their Families

“…In contrast to the research on sleep technologies, HCI researchers have recently begun to report early research on assistive technologies for children with ADHD [21], including TangiPlan [29], ChillFish [22], BlurtLine [20], and CASTT [24].…”

Initial validation of an assistive technology to enhance executive functioning among children with ADHD

“…TangiPlan was designed according to guidelines suggested by Weisberg et al [9] specifically for an assistive technology for children with ADHD. These guidelines were based on interviews with experts and representatives of the target population: (1) implement intervention techniques recommended by experts (e.g., divide complicated tasks into smaller ones, plan a daily schedule and allocate time for each activity, write to-do lists and reminders, use a stop-watch to track task completion time); (2) reduce conflict between caregivers and children; (3) avoid intrusion; (4) support flexibility and autonomy.…”