Twende

Twende combines the force of VR and social network to create opportunities for children with autism and their families to alleviate the stress of the unknown

Team Size:
3
Location:
Australia
Founders:
Irene Zhu, Sasha Whittle, Ching-Shiuan Jiang
Program(s):

The Problem

Although disability inclusivity has been a major progression over time, there still is a level of discrimination and inconsideration with technologies, education and societal facilities. Due to the vast diversity of the disability spectrum, it has been a challenge for technology to become so personalised towards many individuals, and thus has had its flaws in innovation. Looking onto this problem, it is definitely achievable for modern technology to design solutions that ensures everyone can thrive with the same freedom and responsibility, including people with disabilities. In interviewing and observing people on the autism spectrum, we noticed that unfamiliar places and social settings are a major trigger for anxiety. This hinders opportunities for people with autism and their families to explore and take advantage of what the world has to offer, and we want to help solve that.

The Solution

Twende VR is a gamified simulation in which it combines social networking opportunities that children would usually experience with technology to virtual reality. This works through an app which requires digital development whereby it has the capacity to capture and recreate any place virtually through videos and photographs taken by the user. Resultantly, allowing the sense of familiarisation and comfort to progress with the child, specifically to assist in the user's ability to travel freely.