She is the author of Interior Design for Autism from Childhood to Adolescence (Wiley E-book Design Shorts). Below, she talks to Autism Live about making spaces more livable for people on the spectrum.
design
Web Design Freebies: Free Graphics
Natalia Berdys: The Web Experience in the Autistic Spectrum
Privacy Pop Bed Tent
“Parents of kids on the spectrum may be familiar with his litany of sleep problems: trouble getting to sleep, trouble with waking during the night, trouble with waking too early in the morning, all leading to tiredness during the day and consequent problems with control. This tent has helped by providing a dark, secure environment.” [Amazon customer review]
An Architecture for Autism
As a young architect, Magda Mostafa was given the task of designing an educational centre for autism. She searched the research literature for autistic-friendly design guidelines, and found very little. So she did her own research from the ground up, and published her findings in An Architecture for Autism, the most-downloaded article from the International Journal of Architecture Research for 2012. For more on Magda, check out this interview with her from ArchDaily.
Best Made Company
Came across this neat online store (that actually design some of their own stuff). It’s called Best Made Company and pretty much does what it says. They try to sell the best of all sorts of things, from shirts to toolboxes. There’s a slight leaning towards outdoorsy stuff, but also plenty of other things, including Best Made Soap. Their hardware is, as you’d expect, made to last for generations. It’s a real pleasure to just browse and admire the good old-fashioned workmanship.
Best Made Toolbox
Our Famous Red Wool Blanket
Best Made Company® is dedicated to equipping customers with quality tools and dependable information that they can use and pass down for generations. We seek to empower people to get outside, use their hands and in doing so embark on a life of fulfilling projects and lasting experiences. [From the About Page]
Carryology: Exploring Better Ways to Carry
A slightly eccentric site that does what it says. Carryology is a design site that covers anything to do with luggage, baggage, carry-ons, cases, handbags and wallets. Pretty much anything that you carry, that carries something else. As always, we checked the site-design for autistic-friendliness. The subdued colours and neat layout are easy on the eyes, and the reviews and articles are informative too. Also top-notch pictures all round.
New to Carryology?
To get you started on your quest to Carry enlightment, here’s five hand-picked posts we think will help get you up to speed:
#1 – Slimming your wallet – 5 Steps to reduce the bulk in your back pocket.
#2 – Backpack or Messenger? – A guide to help you choose the right bag for your day to day use.
#3 – Leather Care Tips – Essential care advice to keep that hide looking as good as new.
#4 – Choosing Good Rolling Luggage – If it’s wheeled travel bags you’re after, start here.
#5 – What makes a great wallet – The basic fundementals of good wallet functionality and design.
[from Carryology]
The One-Wheel Future?
No, it’s not a motorized unicycle. The RYNO has a self-balancing mechanism, so you don’t have to be an acrobat to ride it. Great thing about this vehicle, it’s small enough to take up the elevator to your apartment, or on public transport (if they allow it). If you think the RYNO’s compact, how about the Solowheel (bottom vid)? Also self-balancing, but you can tote the Solowheel like a briefcase (it has a carrying handle). Small footprint, space-wise, fuel-wise and carbon-wise.
Wallet TrackR
Absent-mindedness or ‘brain fog’ comes with many autistic conditions. I’m constantly losing my umbrella, and occasionally forget to bring my wallet with me. The Wallet TrackR is a card-sized electronic tag that works with your iphone, and alerts you when you’re separated from the tag, which can be attached to just about anything (or placed in your wallet). It’s currently on pre-order at Indiegogo.
Montre Sticky Note Watches
Absent-mindedness or ‘brain fog’ goes with many autistic disorders, and everyone has their favourite way of dealing with it. If you’re the sort who likes simple, hands-on solutions, this product may be for you. It’s basically a sticky note that wraps around your wrist. One way to use it – draw a clock-face and mark your appointments around the face, then write the details on the strap. Available from PA Design in France. Via Better Living Through Design.
DESIGN FOR ASD 