Keyguard Accessibility
Keyguard Accessibility
A guided web tool that helps caregivers create precise and adaptable AAC keyguards without requiring technical expertise.
TEAM
Melika Rezazadeh - Mahla Aghapour
TEAM
Melika Rezazadeh - Mahla Aghapour
Role
Interaction & Visual Designer
Role
Interaction & Visual Designer
DURATION
Spring 2026, 8 weeks (Academic Project)
DURATION
Spring 2026, 8 weeks (Academic Project)
Project Overview
Project Overview
KeyCraft is a guided web-based tool that helps caregivers and other non-experts design custom keyguards for Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices. Through step-by-step customization, real-time visual feedback, printable testing templates, and flexible export options, the platform turns a highly technical process into a clearer and more manageable experience.
KeyCraft is a guided web-based tool that helps caregivers and other non-experts design custom keyguards for Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices. Through step-by-step customization, real-time visual feedback, printable testing templates, and flexible export options, the platform turns a highly technical process into a clearer and more manageable experience.
Problem
Problem
Keyguards can improve accuracy and physical access for AAC users, but creating one is often complex. Caregivers may need to manage precise measurements, device layouts, mounting options, and fabrication tools with limited training or support.
Because fit is critical, even small errors in spacing or alignment can reduce accuracy and create new communication barriers.
Keyguards can improve accuracy and physical access for AAC users, but creating one is often complex. Caregivers may need to manage precise measurements, device layouts, mounting options, and fabrication tools with limited training or support.
Because fit is critical, even small errors in spacing or alignment can reduce accuracy and create new communication barriers.
Objective
Objective
How might we support caregivers in designing AAC keyguards successfully, despite limited technical experience?
Discovery Phase
Discovery Phase
We reviewed academic research, AAC resources, and existing keyguard tools to understand the barriers caregivers face throughout creation and maintenance. The findings revealed four recurring issues: limited support, technical complexity, precise fit, and the need for continued adaptation.
I helped synthesize the research into clear design priorities that could guide the interaction and interface decisions.
We reviewed academic research, AAC resources, and existing keyguard tools to understand the barriers caregivers face throughout creation and maintenance. The findings revealed four recurring issues: limited support, technical complexity, precise fit, and the need for continued adaptation.
I helped synthesize the research into clear design priorities that could guide the interaction and interface decisions.
Concept Development
Concept Development
Our direction evolved into a guided web tool that brings learning, customization, testing, and fabrication into one experience. I focused on organizing the process into manageable steps so users would not need to understand everything before beginning.
I shaped the interaction flow and helped determine how technical decisions could be introduced gradually.
Our direction evolved into a guided web tool that brings learning, customization, testing, and fabrication into one experience. I focused on organizing the process into manageable steps so users would not need to understand everything before beginning.
I shaped the interaction flow and helped determine how technical decisions could be introduced gradually.
User Flow & Experience
User Flow & Experience
The experience guides users through one decision at a time. Templates reduce setup work, live previews make adjustments visible, and printable tests help users check the fit before fabrication.
I designed the step-by-step flow, interaction logic, and key moments of guidance across the customization process.
The experience guides users through one decision at a time. Templates reduce setup work, live previews make adjustments visible, and printable tests help users check the fit before fabrication.
I designed the step-by-step flow, interaction logic, and key moments of guidance across the customization process.
Design System
Design System
I paired every adjustment with real-time visual feedback so users can immediately see how each change affects the keyguard. This reduces guesswork during a precise and technical task.
I paired every adjustment with real-time visual feedback so users can immediately see how each change affects the keyguard. This reduces guesswork during a precise and technical task.
What I Learned
What I Learned
This project taught me that simplifying an accessibility tool is not only about reducing information. It requires presenting the right guidance at the right moment. Through the interaction flow and visual system, I learned how design can make a technical process feel more understandable without removing important control.
This project taught me that simplifying an accessibility tool is not only about reducing information. It requires presenting the right guidance at the right moment. Through the interaction flow and visual system, I learned how design can make a technical process feel more understandable without removing important control.