Design Critiques

What makes some designs good and others bad? Why do some designs work while others don’t? Posts in this category offer thoughtful design critiques of modern digital interfaces, with commentary inspired by Don Norman’s “The Design of Everyday Things.”

Assistive Technology: Speechify: A Game-Changer for People with Dyslexia and ADHD

Speechify is an app designed to make reading more accessible for those with reading challenges, especially people with dyslexia or ADHD. It converts written content into audio, allowing users to listen to books, articles, or even PDFs, making reading less overwhelming. Here’s a closer look at three key features of Speechify and how they make […]

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Cruise Bolt Autonomous Vehicle Service

Assistive Technology: Cruise Bolt (autonomous vehicle service)

Cruise is a company that is testing the use of autonomous (self-driving) vehicles (AVs) as a taxi service in Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix. Cruise retrofits Chevrolet Bolts into AVs. An AV is an assistive technology: it does not have the usual physical requirements for driving, and so people with many different disabilities could benefit from AVs. 

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Assistive Technology: Microsoft Seeing AI

Introduction Microsoft Seeing AI is a free app designed to assist people with visual impairments by turning their camera into an AI-powered narrator. The app recognizes text, faces, objects, and scenes, providing real-time descriptions that enhance the independence of users with blindness or low vision. It transforms the visual world into an audible experience. Overview

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Assistive Technology: Nagish (Call Captioning App)

Nagish is a communication app designed specifically for individuals with hearing loss, offering a suite of AI-powered tools to improve accessibility. Its standout feature is real-time speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities, which allow users to participate in conversations without needing a third-party interpreter. The app also provides customizable text display options and voice modulation for personalized accessibility.

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Design Critique – Bend: Stretching & Flexibility (Android App)

Bend is a wellness-focused app for users who want to incorporate stretching and light exercises into their daily lives. The numerous poses and well-curated programs help you target specific needs for your body and promote a healthy lifestyle. Its easy-to-use and colourful interface makes stretching an enjoyable activity.  While the app has taken some user-friendly

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