Resilient Hearts Inc. seeks to develop EmpowerED, an accessible online platform for young adults with developmental disabilities to build essential life and social skills. This project will focus on creating a foundational prototype with core interactive features and a user-friendly, accessible design, laying the groundwork for future, more comprehensive development.

Project Objectives:

1. Develop a Basic Prototype: Create a functional prototype that demonstrates key platform features (interactive modules and a simple community forum).
2. Prioritize Accessibility: Implement accessible design principles to make the platform easy to use for individuals with developmental disabilities.
3. Interactive Modules: Build at least one interactive life skills module to demonstrate platform functionality.
4. Feedback Collection: Collect feedback from stakeholders for future improvements and document key insights.

Key Platform Features

1. One Interactive Module: Develop a single, step-by-step module focused on a specific life skill (e.g., personal hygiene or grocery shopping).
2. Basic Community Interaction: Implement a simple, moderated forum or chat area where users can interact with each other in a controlled environment.
3. Progress Tracking Demo: Provide a simple progress indicator (e.g., a progress bar) within the module to demonstrate this feature.

Project Phases:

Research & Requirements

• Conduct a brief needs assessment with caregivers or educators to define essential features.
• Review WCAG guidelines for implementing basic accessibility features in the prototype.

Design & Wireframing

• Develop a low-fidelity wireframe focusing on user-friendly navigation and accessible UI elements.
• Present wireframe to stakeholders for feedback and make necessary adjustments.

Prototype Development

• Build one interactive module with a clear structure and interactive elements (e.g., checklists, quizzes).
• Set up a basic community interaction feature, such as a forum or message board, with moderation controls.
• Implement accessible design elements, including alt text, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility.

Testing & Refinement

• Test the prototype with a small group of users, focusing on accessibility and user experience.
• Collect feedback and make minor refinements based on test results.

Documentation & Presentation

• Document the platform design, development steps, and key findings from the testing phase.
• Develop a short presentation outlining the prototype’s features, project outcomes, and recommendations for future development.

Learning Outcomes for Students:

• Understand core principles of accessible web design.
• Learn to build a basic educational prototype for a specific user group.
• Gain experience in UX/UI tailored to users with developmental disabilities.
• Develop concise documentation and recommendations for future platform development.

Deliverables:

1. Prototype: A functional prototype with one interactive module and a simple community interaction feature.
2. Documentation: Design, development, and testing documentation with user feedback and improvement notes.
3. Presentation: A presentation summarizing project outcomes and future recommendations.

The EmpowerED prototype will serve as a foundational tool to showcase the potential for a full learning platform, helping young adults with developmental disabilities develop practical skills and engage in a supportive community.