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UCSD/Fiesta Educativa - Autism Support App
Product Design | Research
situation
Hispanic families, particularly those who are Spanish-speaking, often face unique challenges in accessing educational resources and support when raising children with autism. Studies indicate that Latino families have lower access to autism-related healthcare and educational services compared to other demographic groups, often due to language barriers and a lack of culturally relevant information. This gap in resources can delay diagnosis and limit access to necessary interventions and support. Fiesta Educativa, a nonprofit serving Hispanic families, partnered with UCSD to create an app that would address these challenges.
The goal was to provide a platform where parents could learn about autism, track their child’s development, and access relevant resources, all in Spanish, to better support their children’s needs.
task
The project’s goal was to design and develop a simple, accessible e-learning platform that provided Hispanic families with the knowledge and tools to better understand autism and support their children’s development. The app needed to be fully in Spanish, culturally sensitive, and flexible enough to allow Fiesta Educativa and UCSD to continuously update it with new learning modules, quizzes, and resources. Additionally, it was crucial to ensure the app could cater to parents who may have limited access to technology or lower digital literacy, providing an easy-to-navigate interface with engaging, educational content.
action
To achieve this, I led the project’s user research efforts by conducting interviews and surveys with Hispanic families and autism researchers to gather insights into the community’s needs. This data was used to create personas and inform the app’s design. I then developed a prototype focusing on user-friendly navigation, ensuring the app was intuitive and easy to use, even for those with limited digital experience.
The app included interactive learning modules, quizzes, and a resource library to empower parents to track their child’s progress and gain a deeper understanding of autism. I collaborated closely with Fiesta Educativa and UCSD to ensure the content was educational, culturally relevant, and adaptable, enabling nonprofit staff to add or update content as needed. Feedback from early user testing with families helped refine the app, making it even more accessible and responsive to their needs.
results
The result was a highly accessible, educational app that empowered Spanish-speaking Hispanic families to take a more active role in their children’s care. The app helped parents become more informed about autism, providing them with practical tools and resources to support their children’s development. It received positive feedback from both parents and stakeholders, with users praising its ease of use, the clarity of information, and the cultural relevance of the content.
By addressing a critical gap in resources for Hispanic families, the app contributed to better awareness of autism in the community and improved access to educational support. The modular design also ensured that Fiesta Educativa and UCSD could continue to expand the app’s offerings, making it a long-term resource for the families it was designed to serve.
