THE CHALLENGE

Autistic adults face significant barriers to independence, employment, and social connection. While XR technologies show promise for supporting autistic users, most solutions aren't co-designed with the community they aim to serve.

THE INNOVATION

Project PHoENIX developed the first multi-user online XR environment specifically co-designed with autistic participants to explore commercial VR tools and support transition to adult life.

MY ROLE

Video Production Specialist & Research Assistant

• Produced all project videos for user onboarding and accessibility

• Designed graphics and visual assets for XR environments

• Conducted interviews and user research with autistic participants

• Developed inclusive research methods for XR-based data collection

• Created multimedia documentation of co-design process

ACCESSIBLE CONTENT PRODUCTION

Video Preview System Development

Challenge: Autistic users expressed need to preview virtual spaces before experiencing them

Solution: Comprehensive video gallery providing overviews of all XR environments

Video Production Portfolio:

• Training Space Navigation Tutorials - Step-by-step guidance videos

• VR Gallery Previews - Virtual walkthroughs of museum-style exhibits

• Social VR Tools Demonstrations - Software feature explanations

• User Onboarding Videos - Accessible instructions for XR setup

• Research Process Documentation - Behind-the-scenes methodology videos

Technical Production Specifications:

• Closed captioning for all video content

• Clear audio narration with controlled pacing

• High-contrast visuals optimized for diverse visual processing needs

• Multiple format outputs for different accessibility requirements

• Consistent visual branding across all video materials

Graphic Design Integration:

• Custom graphics for XR environment navigation

• Visual communication aids for non-verbal participants

• Badge and trophy system graphics for gamified training space

• Infographic design for research findings presentation

• Accessible icon systems for universal comprehension

PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH APPROACH

Co-Design Research Leadership

Methodology: Direct engagement with autistic participants as co-designers

Participants: Autistic adults focusing on transition and lifespan issues

Approach: Multi-modal data collection respecting communication preferences

"GIF it UP!" Innovation

Challenge: Some autistic participants experience verbal communication challenges

Solution: Developed GIF-based feedback system for expressing thoughts and feelings

Implementation: Integrated visual communication tools into XR environment

Impact: Enabled authentic participation from non-verbal community members

Interview and Data Collection Methods:

• Traditional verbal interviews for participants who preferred spoken communication

• Visual storytelling sessions using multimedia tools

• XR-embedded feedback collection during virtual experiences

• Digital "selfie" activities for personal expression and sharing

• Multi-sensory response options accommodating different communication styles

Research Ethics and Accessibility:

• Community-first approach respecting autistic self-advocacy principles

• Flexible data collection timelines accommodating individual needs

• Multiple means of expression ensuring authentic voice capture

• Participant validation of research interpretations and findings

MULTIMEDIA DESIGN CONTRIBUTIONS

Professional Graphics Creation

Adobe Photoshop: Advanced graphic design and photo manipulation

• Custom XR environment navigation graphics and visual wayfinding systems

• Professional photo editing for research documentation and presentations

• Complex graphic compositions for museum-style exhibit displays

• High-resolution asset creation for XR environment integration

Canva: Rapid design and collaborative graphics

• Quick turnaround graphics for iterative design feedback

• Accessible template-based designs for consistent visual branding

• Social media and presentation graphics for research dissemination

• Collaborative design elements for team review and stakeholder feedback

Visual Asset Portfolio:

• Training Space Graphics - Photoshop-created badges, trophies, and achievement systems

• Gallery Exhibit Design - Professional layouts combining Photoshop precision with Canva efficiency

• Research Infographics - Accessible data visualization using both platforms

• Wayfinding Systems - Custom iconography and navigation aids

• Presentation Materials - Professional research documentation graphics

Design Workflow Integration:

• Photoshop for complex, high-resolution professional assets

• Canva for rapid prototyping and stakeholder collaboration

• Seamless workflow between platforms for different project phases

• Version control and team collaboration across both design environments

INCLUSIVE TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION

Video Production Technical Approach

Equipment: Professional cameras optimized for XR environment capture

Editing: Multi-track audio for clear narration and ambient sound control

Accessibility: Universal design principles applied to all video content

Distribution: Multiple format outputs for various assistive technologies

Research Data Collection Innovation

XR-Embedded Tools: Integrated feedback collection within virtual environments

Multi-Modal Options: Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic response opportunities

Real-Time Documentation: Live capture of user interactions and preferences

Participant Validation: Community review and approval of all research interpretations

Collaborative Technology Solutions:

• Screen recording integration for detailed user journey documentation

• Multi-user XR environment coordination for group research sessions

• Cloud-based asset sharing for distributed team collaboration

• Version control systems for iterative design and content updates

TRANSFERABLE RESEARCH FRAMEWORKS

Inclusive Research Model Development

Created replicable methodology for engaging marginalized communities in XR research

Demonstrated effectiveness of multi-modal data collection in technology studies

Established best practices for video-based accessibility in research contexts

Developed community partnership framework for authentic co-design

Corporate Training Applications:

• Video preview methodology applicable to employee onboarding

• Multi-modal feedback systems valuable for diverse workplace learning

• Co-design principles transferable to inclusive product development

• Accessibility-first content creation relevant to global workforce needs

Professional Skills Demonstrated:

✓ Advanced video production with accessibility focus

✓ Inclusive research methodology design and implementation

✓ Community partnership development and maintenance

✓ Multi-modal content creation for diverse audiences

✓ XR technology integration with traditional research methods

BOTTOM LINE IMPACT

This project demonstrates my ability to:

✓ Produce professional multimedia content that serves accessibility and inclusion goals

✓ Design and implement innovative research methodologies for marginalized communities

✓ Create visual and video assets that support complex technical environments

✓ Facilitate authentic community participation in technology research

✓ Bridge traditional research methods with emerging XR technologies