SHIFT Learning by Design AAC board

This paragraph appears in search results and previews for this page. In three to five sentences, summarize the whole project from background to result: what you designed, for whom, where and when, why it matters, and how it turned out. Write this last. It should make sense to someone who has never heard of your project, your client, or Humboldt County.

Describe the background of the project, covering who, what, when, why, and where: the client, the site, the course (Engr205 Introduction to Design at Cal Poly Humboldt), the semester, and your team. This page will be read by people around the world and in the future, so give enough context that a stranger understands it. Refer to your images in the text, e.g., Figure 1 shows the site before the project.

Images uploaded to Appropedia must be free to share and uniquely named. Start each file name with your project name, e.g., CCAT_compost_bin_background.jpg. Use File:Default.png as a placeholder until you have the real image. Give every image alt text (alt=) that describes it for readers using screen readers; the caption is what everyone reads, the alt text is what the image shows.

The objective of this project is to design, build, and test a... Write this so that a reader would know when the project is complete. You will refine this statement throughout the semester.

This section outlines the specifications, considerations, criteria and constraints of our project. This section aims to give direction and guidelines for the prototype. This will help us create tangible solutions to ensure a quality product for our client.

Specifications are mandatory conditions requested by the client.

• Symbols representing actions, places, and objects
• Verbalizing the symbols on the board
• Neutral color theme
• Handle/Carrying for easy transport
• Must be rechargeable
• Quantity = 2

Considerations are important factors to keep in mind during the design process.

• Children's behaviors and how they interact with the design
• Weather conditions
• Used by multiple kids
• Children’s behavior
• Design details

Table 1 is used to determine how we prioritize the design features uses a weighted constraints system.

Table 1: Criteria and constraints for developing an AAC Board

Criterion	Constraint	Weight (0–10, 10 highest)
Cost	Less than $300 per unit	10
Fun/Engaging	Engaging not a toy	6
Useability	Ease of useage	8
Adaptibility	Ability to change buttons or reprogram	2
Durability	Lasting design that is weather resistant	6
Mobility	Ability for a user to transport	7

The product will be used daily by multiple children in the Child Development Lab. The product needs to be durable to withstand years of daily usage. The client has requested that we make two of these boards and they do not need to be designed for mass replication.

This literature review is an annotated bibliography. Introduce it in one to two sentences that name the topics covered and why they matter for this project. Group entries under topic headings (Client first, then 4-12 topics relevant to your design, such as materials, similar projects, local climate, or user needs).

Minimum sources per team member: one peer-reviewed journal article, one book, and two credible web sources, plus the client sources your team needs. More credible sources are welcome.

Each entry has three parts:

1. The citation in ASCE format. Either place it inside a named footnote, as in the examples below, so it appears under References and can be reused elsewhere on the page with <ref name="Smith2020" />, or write it out in full at the start of the entry. Pick one approach and use it for the whole page.
2. Summary (two to three sentences): what the source is and what it says. Write it in your own words.
3. Relevance (one to two sentences): how it informs this design, e.g., a criterion, a constraint, an alternative, or a decision.

Aim for 75-150 words per entry. No plagiarism: summarize, do not copy. Quote sparingly and always in quotation marks with a citation.

The client for this project the Trinity Learning Center's Child Development Lab. This project matters to them because they work with children ages 2-5 who have a diverse range of special needs. Having a high tech AAC board would be beneficial in helping the children communicate effectively to their classmates and teachers.

Client interview^[1]

Summary: Larisa Callaway-Cole runs the child development lab and is an instructor for the students.

Relevance: During the interview it had come to our attention that Larisa and her team want an AAC board that is double sided and portable. Restraints would include ensuring the safety of the device so avoiding sharp corners. They would prefer the board to be in neutral colors rather than bright and loud to ensure the device is used as a tool rather than a toy. Another constraint would be for the board to be weatherproof for outside play and to have it last long term.

Interview

Cal Poly Humboldt Children's Center^[2]

Summary: The Cal Poly Humboldt Children's Center provides childcare and early education for children ranging from infants to preschool age. The Center focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment where children can learn, interact with others, and develop. The programs that they provide encourage language, social and emotional development while recognizing that each child has different needs and abilities.

Relevance: This source is relevant to our project because our AAC board will be designed for the young children at the Children's Center. Understanding their ages, developmental needs, and learning environment can help us create a board that is simple, accessible, and useful for communication in their everyday activities.

Web

AAC is important to our project as it helps people with communication difficulties have an effective way of expressing their needs, feelings, and ideas.

What is AAC?^[3]

Summary: AAC is defined as Augmented and Alternative Communication. This is communication through using devices and tools as a replacement for verbal communication. Augmentative communication refers to adding a factor in speech which makes the overall message clearer. Combining that with alternative communication just makes AAC a different way to communication when verbal communication is not possible.

Relevance: This website easily breaks down what AAC is because it is more than just electronic communication devices. AAC can include tools, systems, and strategies that can either replace of support verbal communication. A main takeaway from this source was that there is a difference between augmented communication and alternative communication. These two can exist without the other, however in our case we will be combing the two.

Web reference

TalkBox: a DIY communication board case study^[4]

Summary: TalkBox connects to important AAC concepts by providing people with limited or no functional speech with another way to communicate. The product used a speaker with customizable speech and sounds that respond when the user provides an input.

Relevance: This journal helped with understanding the concepts of AAC and how they can be applied to designing the actual communication board. A main takeaway can be that the communication boards should not be viewed as a fix all for every user. The researchers relied on stakeholders when it came to the design.

Peer Reviewed Journal

Choosing the Size^[5]

Summary: The main point I got from the site is to not underestimate the people that are using these boards and to design them in a way that allows them to learn and communicate with a wide range of words, images, and symbols. That way they kids can experience and practice using new words which also makes communication more fun and versatile.

Relevance: This website is made to help people pick the proper gird size for there AAC board that will best suit the person using the board.

Web

Colors and imagery^[6]

Summary: This research suggests that using videos for symbols can be beneficial to help the kids understand and use the symbols for communication. The research also shows that having the color scheme be bland doesn't really matter but having the symbols organized effectively can help them learn and use the symbols better.

Relevance: The Journal offers useful information about how we should pick symbols for our board as well as how we can hold the attention of the kids.

Journal

AAC Bible

Summary: I got a copy of the book and some of the interesting chapters are  “Chapter 1: Augmentative and Alternative Communication Processes for Children and Adults with Complex Communication Needs”, “Chapter 7: Access Techniques and Output”, “Chapter 8: Selection and Personalization of AAC Systems”. This book has potential to help guide us to pick symbols that fit our client environment well, understand the needs of the children, and help us decide how the children interact with the board.

Relevance: AI tells me that this book is the “Bible of AAC”

Book

Using Symbols and text for communication^[7]

Summary: Symbols are effective in Augmentative and Alternative Communication because they help provide a visual way for people to understand ideas when it is difficult to verbalize. Symbols are often used and can include pictures. icons. gestures, and concepts. Since the visual symbols make the language more concrete and recognizable they can help AAC users communicate their wants and needs effectively. This can help nonverbal communicators to feel more independent and able to participate effectively in everyday conversation.

Relevance: This source was helpful in understanding the importance of symbols within AAC communication. A main takeaway that could be given from this was that symbols can represent whole words or concepts. This is more helpful and a quicker system than having the user spell out every word. This makes communication more efficient and helps the users develop literacy skills.

Web reference

AAC Design and Needs^[8]

Summary: This book talks about how alternative communication systems or AAC can help people who have trouble communicating. It explains that these systems should be picked and set up based on what the person can do, what they need and how they live their lives. The book also covers types of AAC like those that use symbols, pictures and electronic devices.

Relevance: This source matters for our AAC board because it shows we should build the board around the child’s skills, not just use a design that fits everyone. It helps us decide where to put symbols, how big they should be and how to organize them so the child can understand and use the board easily.

Book

Child Friendly AAC^[9]

Summary: The article talks about things to think about when designing AAC devices for young kids. The writers say that AAC tools need to be something that kids can easily understand and use. They also need to be fun so that kids want to use them. The design should be able to change as the child's communication needs change. The device should also take into account the child's body abilities and the places where the AAC device will be used.

Relevance: This source is important for our project because it helps us decide how the AAC board should look for a child. It backs up the idea of using a design, clear pictures and buttons that are the right size and easy to press.

Journal

Arduino Button Wiring^[10]

Summary: This guide explains how several push buttons can be connected to an Arduino- microcontroller. It shows how the buttons can act as inputs and gives details about connecting power, ground and the lines that carry information. The guide also shows how illuminated buttons can be controlled using electronics.

Relevance: This source is important for our AAC board because the project might use buttons to let a child choose different messages or symbols. The wiring information can help us connect the buttons properly to the controller and make sure the electrical parts are set up safely and in a way.

Web Reference

Learning Core Vocabulary Through Augmentative Communication^[11]

Summary: The journal explores research on the validity of teaching core vocabulary through augmentative communication systems. The research analyzed several studies on this approach and found mixed results. The research found a plethora of inconsistencies with the overall effectiveness of this type of teaching. Some of the studies the research found reported little to no results, while others showed significant improvement of core vocabulary with the use of augmentative communication systems. Ultimately, the research concluded that no overall trends can be deduced from the current literature regarding the effectiveness of this teaching method.

Relevance: This information will be helpful in giving us the liberty to develop a product where we know that there is no set method or type of system that works best. This will help us refine our product to best suit the needs of our client.

Construction Considerations^[12]

Summary: This book, pages 91- 141, discusses multiple codes and communication methods that have been used for augmentative communication. It dives into different types of boards with different methods of communication while addressing important details one might forget to consider when making an augmentative communication board, like durability, material, accessibility, and understandability for a bystander. It also informs the reader about electronic boards that have been used for augmentative communication systems, explaining how the circuitry and setup benefit its users.

Relevance: This will be helpful to give ideas and starting points for creating a system for our client that will be both interesting and effective for the users. It also supplies us with valuable ideas regarding how electronic boards have been made in the before.

Client/User Perspective^[13]

Summary: This ASHA page gives an overview of the consumer's lens of augmentative communication. It gives insights into medical plans and programs to help people who may need augmentative communication, then pivots to explaining different types of systems, how they work, and how they might benefit the users. Some of the most interesting information provided by this page was the different considerations it presents when choosing or designing a communication system for a patient or group of patients. For example, portability, ease of maintenance, and motivation to use.

Relevance: This source will be insightful because it will give us perspective on our product and how it is similar  and how it is unique compared to other  augmentative communication systems on the market.

In three to six bullets, synthesize what the literature means for your design. Cite the entries above, e.g., <ref name="Author2020" />.

• Takeaway that shaped a criterion or constraint.
• Takeaway that shaped an alternative or the final decision.

This section delves into possible alternative design solutions to the project. These solutions are rough designs that give the client an idea of what different ideations of the project might look like and how they might function ultimately helping the client and team come to a conclusion on the best design for the project.

The Banana Slug design captures the imagination of the user while establishing a sense of place for the AAC board in Humboldt by making the board in the shape of a banana slug which is a well-known animal of the area. This shape makes the board interesting enough that the kids will be excited to use it but all does not turn the board into a toy. In this design the board is made of a yellow plastic, helping to give off the appearance of a banana slug while insuring a strong structure for the board. This board is equipped with an internal speaker and no stand, maximizing portability of the product. The buttons in this design are 3D printed plastic and activate the speaker when pressed. The total size of the board is about 1 squared foot.

The Space Station Alternative has a video screen that could display words, sentences, images, characters, or really any video. It would have the colors would be gray, black, with colored buttons to simulate a space station controller. This design would have an external speaker that can be connected via bluetooth to the board. This way we could buy a waterproof speaker and also 3d print soft buttons which we could theoretically waterproof swell. Also there would be a headphone jack for kids to practice or to give the headphones to the person they are speaking to. Plus we would have a stand similarly to a picture frame.

This is a simple design that makes the functions of this AAC board very generic. The purpose of this design is to remove the "toy" idea of this device and keep it as a tool. The intent is to avoid distractions in a classroom setting. The shape and build of this design is to ensure a long lasting and durable style. The speaker would be integrated in the board, and the buttons would ideally be 3D printed. The design has easy to hold handles on the side for easy carrying.

This AAC board has a simple rectangular design with a bottom handle for easy carrying. Its built-in speakers and headphone port offer flexible ways to hear messages. The protective cover folds into a stand, and store-bought buttons and symbols make the board easy to customize and maintain.

Introduce this section in one to two sentences specific to your project.

Define each criterion from Table 1 as it is used to judge the alternatives. These are definitions, not constraints. For example, the constraint on cost is the budget, but cost might be defined as the cost of materials only, or as materials plus operation and maintenance. If your criteria changed, update Table 1 so the two match.

Cost

Definition...

Taste

Definition...

Explain the decision process your team used (e.g., decision matrix, Pugh chart). First person is appropriate here. Refer to the table, e.g., Table 2 summarizes the decision matrix.

Table 2: Decision matrix. Scores are 0-10; weighted totals are the sum of weight × score.

Criterion	Weight	Alternative A	Alternative B	Alternative C
Cost	10	7	5	9
Taste	7	8	9	4
Weighted total		126	113	118

Name the chosen solution and justify it with reference to the criteria and Table 2.

Show your most impactful prototypes from earliest to final. Include at least one prototype for function (does it work? e.g., testing a mechanism, material, or dimension) and at least one prototype for desire (will people want to use it? e.g., a mockup shown to the client or users for feedback). Each caption should say what the prototype is, whether it tested function or desire, and what you learned from it. Early sketches, failed attempts, and photos of materials and hands at work all help tell the story.

• 
  Prototype for desire: cardboard mockup of ... shown to the client. We learned that ...
• 
  Prototype for function: test of ... We learned that ...

Describe the final design, starting with the big picture and then going into detail. Use labeled images and refer to them in the text. This is usually a big section.

• 
  CAD drawing of ... by Yourname1.
• 
  Drawing of ... by Yourname2.

Give a complete description of how the final design is built, with lots of images, so someone else could replicate it. Use one {{Step}} per step. This is much easier to write as descriptive (what you did) instead of prescriptive (what another person should do), but you can take either approach.

This is our ideal timeline to have each of these parts of the project done. This is to help us stay on track and to inform our clients of where we are in the process.

Table 3: Project timeline.

Date	Description	Status
October 4, 2026	Research purchases	In progress
October 4, 2026	Make purchases	Not started
October 12, 2026	Start code	Not started
October 12, 2026	Wire prototype	Not started
October 18, 2026	Prototype testing	Not started
October 18, 2026	Finalize symbols	Not started
October 28, 2026	Design board	Not started
November 1, 2026	Project photos and videos	Not started
November 16, 2026	Finalize product	Not started
November 16, 2026	Practice presentation	Not started
December 6, 2026	Final project and design report	Not started
December 17, 2026	Final pitch	Not started

Introduce the three kinds of cost below in one to two sentences.

Show the total human hours your team spent outside of class, grouped into categories (e.g., research, brainstorming, prototyping, construction, documentation). Three teammates working for one hour is three human hours.

Introduce the costs to build the design, including donations and reused materials. Note whether costs are actual or proposed. If replication would cost a different amount, say so.

Item	Amount	Cost per unit	Total
Thing - from the thing store — Purchased	3	USD 5.75	USD 17.25
Another thing - 3' x 2', yellow — Donated by ...	1	USD 0.00	USD 0.00
PrintGrand total			USD 17.25EUR 14.84 <br />GBP 12.59 <br />CAD 21.39 <br />MXN 359.66 <br />INR 1,291.16 <br />

Introduce the ongoing costs in time and money, usually per year.

Table 4: Yearly maintenance cost.

Task	Frequency	Time per year (hours)	Cost per year (USD)
Example task	Monthly	2	0.00
Total		2	0.00

Introduce how to use the design, then give step-by-step instructions with labeled images. Use {{Step}} if the process has more than a few steps. A short video is a great addition:

Introduce this maintenance section. Answer these questions:

• Are there any needed actions for maintenance?
• How often?
• Who should perform maintenance?

This is when to maintain what. Please keep the format the same as it can be used to auto-populate maintenance tables.

Daily

• A daily task
• A daily task

Weekly

• a weekly task
• a weekly task

Monthly

• a monthly task
• a monthly task

Yearly

• a yearly task
• a yearly task

Every __ years

• task
• task

Give step-by-step maintenance instructions, using {{Step}} if helpful.

Describe how you tested the final design and what the results were. Compare the results to your criteria, e.g., in a table like Table 5.

Table 5: Final design performance against criteria.

Criterion	Constraint	Result	Met?
Cost	Less than or equal to $3 per ounce	$2.50 per ounce	Yes

Discuss what the testing results mean.

Discuss what your team learned and what you would do differently next time.

Discuss next steps for the project as it goes on into the future.

Cover basic operating problems only. For complex issues, the suggestion might be to contact ________.

Problem	Suggestion
Example issue	Example solution or suggestion
Does not turn on	Make sure it is plugged in.
Another issue	Etc.

Include an inspirational video for sharing.

Introduce the team and semester, e.g., This project was completed in SEMESTER YEAR by Team TEAMNAME:

• Lonny Grafman
• Emilio Velis
• One bullet for each team member, in the format [[User:Username|Full Name]].