Autistic students: autism community at the Utrecht University of Applied Arts

Challenge: Utrecht / HKU: How can a personalised calendar empower autistic students?

Target Group: Youth, Neurodivergent

Stby and Future Ready Design partnered to research and develop a digital tool for autistic students called “Sue,” in close collaboration with the autism community at the Utrecht University of Applied Arts (HKU). Stby led the research, while Future Ready Design handled the prototype creation and refinement. The project was funded by CommuniCity, an EU-funded project aimed at developing innovative technology solutions for marginalized communities.

The project involved desk research, co-creation sessions with students, and a testing period of the prototype with 5 students. The goal was to create a tool that empowers neurodiverse individuals to monitor their personal limits, manage energy levels, and optimize their schedules. The prototype, named “Sue,” aims to serve as a non-judgmental mirror, allowing users to discover patterns themselves.

Key elements of Sue’s potential impact are self-determination, social integration, and autonomy. Stby made a list of recommendations for improving the prototype and expressed interest in further development.