Subtitles/Captions
Real-time captions improve comprehension when audio clarity is low and reduce communication fatigue.
Design Challenge
How might we improve the communication process for people with SSHL/hearing loss?
Characteristics of SSHL
- Sudden onset of hearing loss during everyday activities.
- Can be unilateral (one ear) or bilateral (both ears).
- Usually involves inner-ear or auditory nerve pathway damage.
- Severity ranges from mild to profound hearing loss.
- Can impact different frequencies and speech understanding.
Common Problems
- Breakdowns in communication and collaboration.
- Difficulty adapting to non-inclusive environments.
- Financial barriers to treatment and assistive technologies.
Problem Framing
How might we make it easier for people with SSHL to understand and communicate with other people?
- Need for real-time captioning and visual communication aids.
- Difficulty accessing hearing assistance and amplification tools.
- Barriers translating between spoken and sign language.
- Need for clearer sound amplification and volume control.
User Persona Research
We conducted user research to understand the lived experiences of people with SSHL through interviews, surveys, and contextual observations. These findings informed the product priorities and accessibility decisions in Signwave.
Jason's Hearing Impairment (What is SSHL?)
Jason's profile highlights how SSHL can disrupt communication in both personal and public contexts. SSHL can occur suddenly, and in many cases the cause remains unknown. Delayed diagnosis or treatment can reduce the chance of hearing recovery, making timely support systems critical.
Assistive Technologies
- Alerting tools that combine sound with visual or vibration cues.
- Captioned phone services for real-time conversation support.
- Cochlear implant compatibility with app controls and Bluetooth.
- Hearing aid amplification support for severe hearing loss.
Design Considerations
The Signwave experience is guided by accessibility-first interaction patterns that prioritize visual clarity, communication confidence, and inclusive feedback.
Videos/Audio
Media controls emphasize transcript access, playback control, and configurable sound output.
Visual Notifications & Sound
Critical actions pair audio cues with visual indicators so users never miss important status feedback.
Journey Mapping
Journey maps were used to visualize communication breakdown points and identify where Signwave can provide high-value support moments.
Moodboard
The moodboard explores accessible visual language with high contrast, simple hierarchy, and a modern, reassuring tone.
Style Guide
The style guide defines typography, color, and component behavior for a consistent and inclusive communication experience across the app.
