RISD & MIT - Behavioral
Analysis Case Study
RISD & MIT - Behavioral
Analysis Case Study
RISD & MIT - Behavioral Analysis Case Study
RISD & MIT - Behavioral
Analysis Case Study
RISD & MIT - Behavioral Analysis Case Study
RISD & MIT - Behavioral Analysis Case Study
Product & Industrial Designer
The objective of the Case Study was to design a product in collaboration with grad and undergrad students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). My role was to guide the design team as well as direct the purpose and meaning for the end users.
The objective of the Case Study was to design a product in collaboration with grad and undergrad students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). My role was to guide the design team as well as direct the purpose and meaning for the end users.
The objective of the Case Study was to design a product in collaboration with grad and undergrad students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). My role was to guide the design team as well as direct the purpose and meaning for the end users.
The objective of the Case Study was to design a product in collaboration with grad and undergrad students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). My role was to guide the design team as well as direct the purpose and meaning for the end users.
The objective of the Case Study was to design a product in collaboration with grad and undergrad students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). My role was to guide the design team as well as direct the purpose and meaning for the end users.
The objective of the Case Study was to design a product in collaboration with grad and undergrad students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). My role was to guide the design team as well as direct the purpose and meaning for the end users.
Team
1 Product Designer, 2 Software Engineers, & Business Majors
1 Product Designer, 2 Software Engineers, & Business Majors
1 Product Designer, 2 Software Engineers, & Business Majors
1 Product Designer, 2 Software Engineers, & Business Majors
Duration
March 2021 - June 2021
March 2021 - June 2021
March 2021 - June 2021
March 2021 - June 2021
Problem
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be reliably detected as early as age 2 but the average age of detection is 4 years old, thus leaving many children unsupported during the critical years of early childhood development.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be reliably detected as early as age 2 but the average age of detection is 4 years old, thus leaving many children unsupported during the critical years of early childhood development.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be reliably detected as early as age 2 but the average age of detection is 4 years old, thus leaving many children unsupported during the critical years of early childhood development.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be reliably detected as early as age 2 but the average age of detection is 4 years old, thus leaving many children unsupported during the critical years of early childhood development.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be reliably detected as early as age 2 but the average age of detection is 4 years old, thus leaving many children unsupported during the critical years of early childhood development.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be reliably detected as early as age 2 but the average age of detection is 4 years old, thus leaving many children unsupported during the critical years of early childhood development.
Solution
Individual games that test and record play preferences, report that information to parents and pediatricians, and test key indicators of ASD to obtain objective information about the child's behavior.
Solution
Individual games that test and record play preferences, report that information to parents and pediatricians, and test key indicators of ASD to obtain objective information about the child's behavior.
Solution
Individual games that test and record play preferences, report that information to parents and pediatricians, and test key indicators of ASD to obtain objective information about the child's behavior.
Solution
Individual games that test and record play preferences, report that information to parents and pediatricians, and test key indicators of ASD to obtain objective information about the child's behavior.
Solution
Individual games that test and record play preferences, report that information to parents and pediatricians, and test key indicators of ASD to obtain objective information about the child's behavior.
Solution
Individual games that test and record play preferences, report that information to parents and pediatricians, and test key indicators of ASD to obtain objective information about the child's behavior.
Solution
Individual games that test and record play preferences, report that information to parents and pediatricians, and test key indicators of ASD to obtain objective information about the child's behavior.
Solution
Individual games that test and record play preferences, report that information to parents and pediatricians, and test key indicators of ASD to obtain objective information about the child's behavior.
Solution
Individual games that test and record play preferences, report that information to parents and pediatricians, and test key indicators of ASD to obtain objective information about the child's behavior.
Solution
Individual games that test and record play preferences, report that information to parents and pediatricians, and test key indicators of ASD to obtain objective information about the child's behavior.
Design Standards
Better informing the parents, we create better advocates for the child and help quicken the diagnosis process.
Better informing the parents, we create better advocates for the child and help quicken the diagnosis process.
Better informing the parents, we create better advocates for the child and help quicken the diagnosis process.
Better informing the parents, we create better advocates for the child and help quicken the diagnosis process.
Better informing the parents, we create better advocates for the child and help quicken the diagnosis process.
Better informing the parents, we create better advocates for the child and help quicken the diagnosis process.
Engage.
Engage.
Engage.
Engage.
Engage.
Engage.
Interests the child so that they engage and have fun with the toy.
Support.
Support.
Support.
Support.
Support.
Support.
Support the parent in ways they are comfortable.
Diagnose.
Diagnose.
Diagnose.
Diagnose.
Diagnose.
Diagnose.
Benefits the physician & expedites the diagnosis process.
Existing Product Breakdown
Current diagnostic tools rely on observation, including questionnaires, checklists, and pediatrician assessments. While therapy toys exist, diagnostic toys are repurposed from existing options and lack direct child input measurement or feedback for parents and practitioners.
Current diagnostic tools rely on observation, including questionnaires, checklists, and pediatrician assessments. While therapy toys exist, diagnostic toys are repurposed from existing options and lack direct child input measurement or feedback for parents and practitioners.
Current diagnostic tools rely on observation, including questionnaires, checklists, and pediatrician assessments. While therapy toys exist, diagnostic toys are repurposed from existing options and lack direct child input measurement or feedback for parents and practitioners.
Current diagnostic tools rely on observation, including questionnaires, checklists, and pediatrician assessments. While therapy toys exist, diagnostic toys are repurposed from existing options and lack direct child input measurement or feedback for parents and practitioners.
Current diagnostic tools rely on observation, including questionnaires, checklists, and pediatrician assessments. While therapy toys exist, diagnostic toys are repurposed from existing options and lack direct child input measurement or feedback for parents and practitioners.
Current diagnostic tools rely on observation, including questionnaires, checklists, and pediatrician assessments. While therapy toys exist, diagnostic toys are repurposed from existing options and lack direct child input measurement or feedback for parents and practitioners.
How Can We Help?
Our mission is to assist in earlier detection of ASD with an affordable, accurate and accessible product that ultimately facilitates early intervention and support.
Our mission is to assist in earlier detection of ASD with an affordable, accurate and accessible product that ultimately facilitates early intervention and support.
Our mission is to assist in earlier detection of ASD with an affordable, accurate and accessible product that ultimately facilitates early intervention and support.
Our mission is to assist in earlier detection of ASD with an affordable, accurate and accessible product that ultimately facilitates early intervention and support.
Our mission is to assist in earlier detection of ASD with an affordable, accurate and accessible product that ultimately facilitates early intervention and support.
Our mission is to assist in earlier detection of ASD with an affordable, accurate and accessible product that ultimately facilitates early intervention and support.
Iteration
After thorough research the team generated more than a dozen potential concepts, from which the team originally generated three different prototypes.
After thorough research the team generated more than a dozen potential concepts, from which the team originally generated three different prototypes.
After thorough research the team generated more than a dozen potential concepts, from which the team originally generated three different prototypes.
After thorough research the team generated more than a dozen potential concepts, from which the team originally generated three different prototypes.
After thorough research the team generated more than a dozen potential concepts, from which the team originally generated three different prototypes.
After thorough research the team generated more than a dozen potential concepts, from which the team originally generated three different prototypes.
Product Development
With our time constraint, we moved forward with one of the solutions. Our team met regularly to develop the concept and design, discussing the internals and externals.
With our time constraint, we moved forward with one of the solutions. Our team met regularly to develop the concept and design, discussing the internals and externals.
With our time constraint, we moved forward with one of the solutions. Our team met regularly to develop the concept and design, discussing the internals and externals.
With our time constraint, we moved forward with one of the solutions. Our team met regularly to develop the concept and design, discussing the internals and externals.
With our time constraint, we moved forward with one of the solutions. Our team met regularly to develop the concept and design, discussing the internals and externals.
With our time constraint, we moved forward with one of the solutions. Our team met regularly to develop the concept and design, discussing the internals and externals.
Inside the module is an SD card serial recorder module. This allows the device to record the sequence of button presses for analysis.
Inside the module is an SD card serial recorder module. This allows the device to record the sequence of button presses for analysis.
Inside the module is an SD card serial recorder module. This allows the device to record the sequence of button presses for analysis.
Inside the module is an SD card serial recorder module. This allows the device to record the sequence of button presses for analysis.
App Development
To complement the toy, I developed a simple app that helps parents and pediatricians understand the analysis collected from the child’s interaction with the toy.
To complement the toy, I developed a simple app that helps parents and pediatricians understand the analysis collected from the child’s interaction with the toy.
To complement the toy, I developed a simple app that helps parents and pediatricians understand the analysis collected from the child’s interaction with the toy.
To complement the toy, I developed a simple app that helps parents and pediatricians understand the analysis collected from the child’s interaction with the toy.
To complement the toy, I developed a simple app that helps parents and pediatricians understand the analysis collected from the child’s interaction with the toy.
To complement the toy, I developed a simple app that helps parents and pediatricians understand the analysis collected from the child’s interaction with the toy.
Result
Our solution is a stimuli toy and app which helps with screening for pattern, color, and sound preferences. Interpreting the data from a child’s play session is essential to understanding the demonstrated behaviors.
Our solution is a stimuli toy and app which helps with screening for pattern, color, and sound preferences. Interpreting the data from a child’s play session is essential to understanding the demonstrated behaviors.
Our solution is a stimuli toy and app which helps with screening for pattern, color, and sound preferences. Interpreting the data from a child’s play session is essential to understanding the demonstrated behaviors.
Our solution is a stimuli toy and app which helps with screening for pattern, color, and sound preferences. Interpreting the data from a child’s play session is essential to understanding the demonstrated behaviors.
Our solution is a stimuli toy and app which helps with screening for pattern, color, and sound preferences. Interpreting the data from a child’s play session is essential to understanding the demonstrated behaviors.
Our solution is a stimuli toy and app which helps with screening for pattern, color, and sound preferences. Interpreting the data from a child’s play session is essential to understanding the demonstrated behaviors.
Toy Status
Children with ASD are expected to gravitate toward calming colors such as green and brown. These two buttons activate a gentle, repeating light pattern with no sound, because children on the spectrum tend to gravitate toward repetition and silence. In contrast, the red and yellow buttons activate randomized sounds and lights for a more stimulated experience.
Toy Status
Children with ASD are expected to gravitate toward calming colors such as green and brown. These two buttons activate a gentle, repeating light pattern with no sound, because children on the spectrum tend to gravitate toward repetition and silence. In contrast, the red and yellow buttons activate randomized sounds and lights for a more stimulated experience.
Toy Status
Children with ASD are expected to gravitate toward calming colors such as green and brown. These two buttons activate a gentle, repeating light pattern with no sound, because children on the spectrum tend to gravitate toward repetition and silence. In contrast, the red and yellow buttons activate randomized sounds and lights for a more stimulated experience.
Toy Status
Children with ASD are expected to gravitate toward calming colors such as green and brown. These two buttons activate a gentle, repeating light pattern with no sound, because children on the spectrum tend to gravitate toward repetition and silence. In contrast, the red and yellow buttons activate randomized sounds and lights for a more stimulated experience.
Toy Status
Children with ASD are expected to gravitate toward calming colors such as green and brown. These two buttons activate a gentle, repeating light pattern with no sound, because children on the spectrum tend to gravitate toward repetition and silence. In contrast, the red and yellow buttons activate randomized sounds and lights for a more stimulated experience.
Toy Status
Children with ASD are expected to gravitate toward calming colors such as green and brown. These two buttons activate a gentle, repeating light pattern with no sound, because children on the spectrum tend to gravitate toward repetition and silence. In contrast, the red and yellow buttons activate randomized sounds and lights for a more stimulated experience.
Toy Status
Children with ASD are expected to gravitate toward calming colors such as green and brown. These two buttons activate a gentle, repeating light pattern with no sound, because children on the spectrum tend to gravitate toward repetition and silence. In contrast, the red and yellow buttons activate randomized sounds and lights for a more stimulated experience.
Toy Status
Children with ASD are expected to gravitate toward calming colors such as green and brown. These two buttons activate a gentle, repeating light pattern with no sound, because children on the spectrum tend to gravitate toward repetition and silence. In contrast, the red and yellow buttons activate randomized sounds and lights for a more stimulated experience.
Toy Status
Children with ASD are expected to gravitate toward calming colors such as green and brown. These two buttons activate a gentle, repeating light pattern with no sound, because children on the spectrum tend to gravitate toward repetition and silence. In contrast, the red and yellow buttons activate randomized sounds and lights for a more stimulated experience.
Baby Profile
The profile will show the parent an overview of their child's progress using the toy. This will help the parent stay on track and make sure they have enough information to send to the pediatrician.
Baby Profile
The profile will show the parent an overview of their child's progress using the toy. This will help the parent stay on track and make sure they have enough information to send to the pediatrician.
Baby Profile
The profile will show the parent an overview of their child's progress using the toy. This will help the parent stay on track and make sure they have enough information to send to the pediatrician.
Baby Profile
The profile will show the parent an overview of their child's progress using the toy. This will help the parent stay on track and make sure they have enough information to send to the pediatrician.
Baby Profile
The profile will show the parent an overview of their child's progress using the toy. This will help the parent stay on track and make sure they have enough information to send to the pediatrician.
Baby Profile
The profile will show the parent an overview of their child's progress using the toy. This will help the parent stay on track and make sure they have enough information to send to the pediatrician.
Baby Profile
The profile will show the parent an overview of their child's progress using the toy. This will help the parent stay on track and make sure they have enough information to send to the pediatrician.
Baby Profile
The profile will show the parent an overview of their child's progress using the toy. This will help the parent stay on track and make sure they have enough information to send to the pediatrician.
Baby Profile
The profile will show the parent an overview of their child's progress using the toy. This will help the parent stay on track and make sure they have enough information to send to the pediatrician.
Toy Status
Parents can first see a brief overview of the play sessions with a more in depth breakdown on the second page. To support the data, a series of Social Log questions are prompted to the parent while they’re using the app.
Toy Status
Parents can first see a brief overview of the play sessions with a more in depth breakdown on the second page. To support the data, a series of Social Log questions are prompted to the parent while they’re using the app.
Toy Status
Parents can first see a brief overview of the play sessions with a more in depth breakdown on the second page. To support the data, a series of Social Log questions are prompted to the parent while they’re using the app.
Toy Status
Parents can first see a brief overview of the play sessions with a more in depth breakdown on the second page. To support the data, a series of Social Log questions are prompted to the parent while they’re using the app.
Toy Status
Parents can first see a brief overview of the play sessions with a more in depth breakdown on the second page. To support the data, a series of Social Log questions are prompted to the parent while they’re using the app.
Toy Status
Parents can first see a brief overview of the play sessions with a more in depth breakdown on the second page. To support the data, a series of Social Log questions are prompted to the parent while they’re using the app.
Toy Status
Parents can first see a brief overview of the play sessions with a more in depth breakdown on the second page. To support the data, a series of Social Log questions are prompted to the parent while they’re using the app.
Toy Status
Parents can first see a brief overview of the play sessions with a more in depth breakdown on the second page. To support the data, a series of Social Log questions are prompted to the parent while they’re using the app.
Toy Status
Parents can first see a brief overview of the play sessions with a more in depth breakdown on the second page. To support the data, a series of Social Log questions are prompted to the parent while they’re using the app.
Helpful Tips
The tips feature is more resources and videos to help ensure better involvement in milestones of their baby.
Helpful Tips
The tips feature is more resources and videos to help ensure better involvement in milestones of their baby.
Helpful Tips
The tips feature is more resources and videos to help ensure better involvement in milestones of their baby.
Helpful Tips
The tips feature is more resources and videos to help ensure better involvement in milestones of their baby.
Helpful Tips
The tips feature is more resources and videos to help ensure better involvement in milestones of their baby.
Helpful Tips
The tips feature is more resources and videos to help ensure better involvement in milestones of their baby.
Helpful Tips
The tips feature is more resources and videos to help ensure better involvement in milestones of their baby.
Helpful Tips
The tips feature is more resources and videos to help ensure better involvement in milestones of their baby.
Helpful Tips
The tips feature is more resources and videos to help ensure better involvement in milestones of their baby.
Toy Status
Children with ASD are expected to gravitate toward calming colors such as green and brown. These two buttons activate a gentle, repeating light pattern with no sound, because children on the spectrum tend to gravitate toward repetition and silence. In contrast, the red and yellow buttons activate randomized sounds and lights for a more stimulated experience.
Baby Profile
The profile will show the parent an overview of their child's progress using the toy. This will help the parent stay on track and make sure they have enough information to send to the pediatrician.
Toy Status
Parents can first see a brief overview of the play sessions with a more in depth breakdown on the second page. To support the data, a series of Social Log questions are prompted to the parent while they’re using the app.
Helpful Tips
The tips feature is more resources and videos to help ensure better involvement in milestones of their baby.
Toy Status
Children with ASD are expected to gravitate toward calming colors such as green and brown. These two buttons activate a gentle, repeating light pattern with no sound, because children on the spectrum tend to gravitate toward repetition and silence. In contrast, the red and yellow buttons activate randomized sounds and lights for a more stimulated experience.
Baby Profile
The profile will show the parent an overview of their child's progress using the toy. This will help the parent stay on track and make sure they have enough information to send to the pediatrician.
Toy Status
Parents can first see a brief overview of the play sessions with a more in depth breakdown on the second page. To support the data, a series of Social Log questions are prompted to the parent while they’re using the app.
Helpful Tips
The tips feature is more resources and videos to help ensure better involvement in milestones of their baby.
Parent Feedback
We reached out to a few parents and had their child test out our working prototype. We also reached out to a few Doctors to gage their interest and response to our toy and app.
We reached out to a few parents and had their child test out our working prototype. We also reached out to a few Doctors to gage their interest and response to our toy and app.
We reached out to a few parents and had their child test out our working prototype. We also reached out to a few Doctors to gage their interest and response to our toy and app.
We reached out to a few parents and had their child test out our working prototype. We also reached out to a few Doctors to gage their interest and response to our toy and app.
We reached out to a few parents and had their child test out our working prototype. We also reached out to a few Doctors to gage their interest and response to our toy and app.
We reached out to a few parents and had their child test out our working prototype. We also reached out to a few Doctors to gage their interest and response to our toy and app.
“We like the data analytics feature of the toy. The toy is a little too big for her, and the buttons should be easier and softer for her to press.”
“We like the data analytics feature of the toy. The toy is a little too big for her, and the buttons should be easier and softer for her to press.”
“We like the data analytics feature of the toy. The toy is a little too big for her, and the buttons should be easier and softer for her to press.”
“We like the data analytics feature of the toy. The toy is a little too big for her, and the buttons should be easier and softer for her to press.”
“We like the data analytics feature of the toy. The toy is a little too big for her, and the buttons should be easier and softer for her to press.”
“We like the data analytics feature of the toy. The toy is a little too big for her, and the buttons should be easier and softer for her to press.”
“He seems to be enjoying this. He loves shapes and colors, those are his favorite kinds of toys.”
“He seems to be enjoying this. He loves shapes and colors, those are his favorite kinds of toys.”
“He seems to be enjoying this. He loves shapes and colors, those are his favorite kinds of toys.”
“He seems to be enjoying this. He loves shapes and colors, those are his favorite kinds of toys.”
“He seems to be enjoying this. He loves shapes and colors, those are his favorite kinds of toys.”
“He seems to be enjoying this. He loves shapes and colors, those are his favorite kinds of toys.”
“I generally play with them to keep them engaged, and teach them about the shapes, colors and alphabets.”
“I generally play with them to keep them engaged, and teach them about the shapes, colors and alphabets.”
“I generally play with them to keep them engaged, and teach them about the shapes, colors and alphabets.”
“I generally play with them to keep them engaged, and teach them about the shapes, colors and alphabets.”
“I generally play with them to keep them engaged, and teach them about the shapes, colors and alphabets.”
“I generally play with them to keep them engaged, and teach them about the shapes, colors and alphabets.”
Pediatrician Feedback
“If you make this… and it allows me to measurably compare a child’s behavior to those of a baseline of children with and without ASD, I want one in my office!”
Dr. Stephanie Stevens - Pediatric Specialist M.D.
“...evaluation of this would be interesting. If such a study yielded meaningful results – then sure, I would be curious regarding results with this product as I evaluate a child.”
Dr. Katie Woody - Clinic Director of Autism Intervention Milwaukee
Reflection & Learnings
Expanding product line to post-diagnosis ASD treatment toys.
Expanding product line to post-diagnosis ASD treatment toys.
Expanding product line to post-diagnosis ASD treatment toys.
Expanding product line to post-diagnosis ASD treatment toys.
Expanding product line to post-diagnosis ASD treatment toys.
Expanding product line to post-diagnosis ASD treatment toys.
Use existing relationships with parents & doctors to extend the use of our toys to older ages.
Use existing relationships with parents & doctors to extend the use of our toys to older ages.
Use existing relationships with parents & doctors to extend the use of our toys to older ages.
Use existing relationships with parents & doctors to extend the use of our toys to older ages.
Use existing relationships with parents & doctors to extend the use of our toys to older ages.
Use existing relationships with parents & doctors to extend the use of our toys to older ages.
Add premium features to freemium app, capitalizing on existing user base of parents of children with ASD.
Add premium features to freemium app, capitalizing on existing user base of parents of children with ASD.
Add premium features to freemium app, capitalizing on existing user base of parents of children with ASD.
Add premium features to freemium app, capitalizing on existing user base of parents of children with ASD.
Add premium features to freemium app, capitalizing on existing user base of parents of children with ASD.
Add premium features to freemium app, capitalizing on existing user base of parents of children with ASD.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is just one of many behavioral disorders and one of many conditions that is diagnosed using relatively subjective, observational techniques. Trey’s Toys is excited to multiply its positive impact on the lives of children by expanding its line of screening toys to other behavioral disorders and difficult-to-diagnose conditions in the future, leveraging quantitative behavior analysis through machine learning models as a central technology to the line of products.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is just one of many behavioral disorders and one of many conditions that is diagnosed using relatively subjective, observational techniques. Trey’s Toys is excited to multiply its positive impact on the lives of children by expanding its line of screening toys to other behavioral disorders and difficult-to-diagnose conditions in the future, leveraging quantitative behavior analysis through machine learning models as a central technology to the line of products.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is just one of many behavioral disorders and one of many conditions that is diagnosed using relatively subjective, observational techniques. Trey’s Toys is excited to multiply its positive impact on the lives of children by expanding its line of screening toys to other behavioral disorders and difficult-to-diagnose conditions in the future, leveraging quantitative behavior analysis through machine learning models as a central technology to the line of products.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is just one of many behavioral disorders and one of many conditions that is diagnosed using relatively subjective, observational techniques. Trey’s Toys is excited to multiply its positive impact on the lives of children by expanding its line of screening toys to other behavioral disorders and difficult-to-diagnose conditions in the future, leveraging quantitative behavior analysis through machine learning models as a central technology to the line of products.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is just one of many behavioral disorders and one of many conditions that is diagnosed using relatively subjective, observational techniques. Trey’s Toys is excited to multiply its positive impact on the lives of children by expanding its line of screening toys to other behavioral disorders and difficult-to-diagnose conditions in the future, leveraging quantitative behavior analysis through machine learning models as a central technology to the line of products.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is just one of many behavioral disorders and one of many conditions that is diagnosed using relatively subjective, observational techniques. Trey’s Toys is excited to multiply its positive impact on the lives of children by expanding its line of screening toys to other behavioral disorders and difficult-to-diagnose conditions in the future, leveraging quantitative behavior analysis through machine learning models as a central technology to the line of products.
Solution
Individual games that test and record play preferences, report that information to parents and pediatricians, and test key indicators of ASD to obtain objective information about the child's behavior.
© 2025 Nicholas Glaser