Abstract

In the context of design, an experiential gap occurs when a disparity exists between the experiences of the target user and that of the designer. When designing for persons with disabilities, an experiential gap presents a challenge in addressing usability during the conceptual design process. In other words, the designer cannot grasp the differences in functional ability or the complexities of disability. This can hinder the design process as conceptual designs are developed and evaluated. This project used a priming package to better orient student designers to their project and unfamiliar target users. Using interviews with the design teams, guidelines for developing priming packages are proposed. The priming package should include a project brief and objective, desirable features list, background information, predicate technology, and stakeholder contact information. The purpose of the priming package was to allow the design team to kickstart design activities and to better prepare students to engage users and stakeholders. Student interviews confirmed that a benefit of the priming package was to improve early communication.

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