Why is this work relevant for Direct?

The Face 2 Face App equips every parent with a tool that can help improve their child’s social skills, at home or anywhere, through their own personal digital device. It’s made available for free download worldwide from the App Store.

Background

Many autistic children struggle with social interaction, even with their parents. They prefer to interact with digital devices, which creates even higher walls of isolation in their lives.

Describe the creative idea (30% of vote)

What if connecting with autistic children was as simple as placing the iPad down between us and them? Introducing Face 2 Face. The first two-user experience App that connects parents to their autistic child with a two-way Mirror Keypad, designed to let them sit face to face, facilitating interaction. Turning kiddo’s favourite screen time into face time with mom or dad.

Describe the strategy (20% of vote)

Our idea was further validated through discussion and consultation with Genesis School For Special Education and the Child Development Unit at the National University Hospital of Singapore. We also found out that many parents of children with autism find it hard to vie for attention with digital devices, hindering them from teaching social skills. So, our strategy was simple – to turn the very same device that brings about isolation, into one that connects autistic children with their parents.

Describe the execution (20% of vote)

Inspired by the simple gesture of a child lowering the iPad onto a table, we worked together with Genesis School For Special Education, the Child Development Unit at the National University Hospital of Singapore, UX specialists and mobile engineers to come up with an original Mirror Keypad interface. This unique two-way app interface lets children sit face to face with their parents while using the same device, facilitating their interaction. We then created Face 2 Face – an interactive learning app that teaches social and literacy skills using the Mirror Keypad interface, bringing social interaction into digital learning. The app became a part of the curriculum of the Genesis School For Special Education; it was then uploaded on the App Store and made available for free download, so parents all over the world can equip themselves with this tool and use it for practice at home, or anywhere.

List the results (30% of vote)

Face 2 Face was tested by children over a period of 6 months. 80% of them showed significant engagement, and 100% of the parents gave us positive feedback (according to trials by the Genesis School For Special Education and the Child Development Unit at the National University Hospital of Singapore). This year alone, the app will be included in the curriculum of Genesis School For Special Education. Released on the App Store, it’s on track to reach more children in Singapore and worldwide.