Industrial - Bachelors
Tandem is an accessible plug-in and extension communication aid. Tandem acts as an improved Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to better facilitate verbal expression for those with Complex Communication Needs (CCN). Communicate and Connect. Anywhere. Always.
Verbal expression is a paramount tool which drives our advancements and achievements. As one of the fundamental Human Rights, it fosters relationships and gives rise to shared experiences, deeper connection, and further understanding – So what happens when using your voice is not an option? This is the reality for millions of individuals living with Complex Communication Needs (CCN) across the world. To overcome the challenge of verbal communication, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are employed.
4.8 million (87.4%) Australians reported experiencing limitations in at least one core activity, including difficulties with communication (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2024); with 24.5% requiring the use of a communication aid – thus highlighting the value that better understanding, assisting, and addressing CCN and AAC devices has for a large portion of our community (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2019).
Complex Communication Needs (CCN) refers an individual’s struggle using or understanding speech when communicating with others (Assessments Australia, 2022). Verbal expression abilities may range from rudimentary levels of speech, to being completely non-verbal.
Individuals who may have CCN include (but are not limited to):
• Cerebral Palsy,
• Non-Verbal Autism,
• Stroke victims,
• Impact from disease, etc.,
• Children-Elderly.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices (1) support speech, or (2) act as an alternative to speech when verbal communication is not a viable option (Allan, M., et al., 2014).
The free expression of opinion and access to information through all forms of communication (AAC inclusive) is a human right as per article 21 of the Human Rights Commission (Communication Rights Australia). Therefore, it is essential to ensure fair, abundant access along with continuous improvement in facilitating communication for those with CCN. Moreover, the implementation of AAC device technology for those with CCN has successfully been proven to improve communication and social skills, and in some cases support the development of verbal speech, thereby increasing the individual’s independence and quality of life (Crowe, B., et al., 2022).
Existing AAC products on the market range from low-tech to high-tech solutions, including physical, digital and Speech generating devices (SGD). These products can cost individuals anywhere from $250 (Apps), or upward of almost $20,000 (Specialised eye-gaze tracking). This is largely inaccessible to many people, limiting the scope of users who can benefit from the use of these tools; and whilst there are funding schemes available to offset some of the cost, these involve long trial periods, wait-times, and specific eligibility requirements that may leave one without reliable communication outputs for extended periods of time, contributing to isolation, stigma, frustration, and stunted development.
One of the most common AAC device used presently is an AAC app/tablet (or alike). However, research revealed that carers/educators cannot always leave the AAC device with the CCN individual (e.g., whilst on the playground) as the they are expensive and fragile; ultimately leaving the individual without any form of communication for this time. Or the individual is left to shoulder the device themselves, hindering mobility and engagement in their activities.
(Halifax Regional Centre for Education, 2018)
• The ability for an individual to convey expression and communication is invaluable.
• Personalisation of the devices is important to users (both the interface and the look of the device).
• Awareness and Teaching/Training resources surrounding AAC devices are severely lacking.
• Improved Affordability, Navigation, Portability, and Learnability are wanted.
• 64.3% of research participants identified a negative perception of existing AAC device aesthetics.
From the research five primary design implications were identified from which initial concepts began. The final design solution to move forth with came to fruition by the combination of concept #3 (Portable AAC Extension Module) and #5 (Plug-in AAC device).
This next stage focused on the further ideation of concept, centring around design criteria, aesthetics, functionality and human-centered considerations. Ideation was followed by prototyping and more design iterations before finalising the solution.
INTRODUCING
Tandem is an accessible plug-in and extension communication aid that acts as an improved AAC device to better facilitate verbal expression for those with CCN. By seamlessly integrating with smartphones or tablets, Tandem enhances existing technology to create a personalised, portable communication solution. This eliminates the need for costly AAC devices, making communication tools more affordable and easier to access. Its compact, attachable design supports on-the-go use, empowering individuals to communicate confidently across different environments. Tandem’s universal compatibility and ease of use make it a powerful tool for fostering independence and inclusion in daily interactions.
(1) Simply slide the USB-C connector out and connect to any phone or tablet – Instantly create your very own primary AAC device with Tandem’s preloaded AAC software, cross-device functionality, and data syncing.
Need to communicate in a more active environment?
(2) Unplug and use as a secondary standalone extension AAC with increased portability.
Tandem allows the user to always communicate, even when away from the primary device. Plus, Tandem can grow and adapt with the user’s language needs with its fully customisable AAC interface, thus continually improving independence, learning, language, and social development.
But I already have an electronic AAC device?
(3) Tandem can still be of use! Plug-in and gain access to dedicated AAC processing, offloaded power consumption, and increased audio and haptic outputs. Additionally, users can backup, sync and transfer their existing AAC data through Tandem and onto other devices if new, or specialised equipment, or upgrades are needed.
• Dynamic LED indication lights (power, battery status).
• Volume control.
• Anti-glare screen for optimised viewing in all environments.
• Front facing speakers for clear, unobstructed audio output. Always.
• Curved form for comfortability.
• Familiar interface layout and visuals for easy learnability and technology acceptance.
• Long-lasting battery life with idle power monitoring and optimisation.
• Passthrough + Fast charging supported.
• Offline use supported.
• Improved aesthetics.
• Interchangeable personalised cover case. Raised profile to protect the touch screen display, and shock resistant to conceal and protect USB ports when in standalone mode.
• Simply plug-in and use with device auto-detection + Integrated software to turn any phone or tablet into its own makeshift Primary AAC device.
• Offload input device power and consumption through dedicate optimised co-processing units (Power, Audio, Haptic feedback).
• Data storage and syncing supported for cross device transference. Never be left without communication.
• Designed for disassembly and easy maintenance. Rechargeable battery is replaceable to prolong product use life.
• Customisable + Personalised interface.
• Lightweight, Small, Portable, Durable.
• Tether for easy transportation.
Tandem improves user Independence and social outputs by increases portability and accessibility to AAC. Tandem aids Language development through its easy learnability and customisable language suite that grows and adapts with the user’s needs.
Tandem elegantly provides an innovative communication solution for those who are non-verbal by tackling key target areas.
Make Tandem your own with your choice of protective case colour. You can also customise the interfaces to meet your exact needs and preferences. Express who you are!
Tandem has the potential to have transference into other areas too:
• Tandem might act as a low stakes teaching/training tool for AAC.
• Potential benefits for communication in the deaf community (assist communication along with sign language),
• Act as a transitionary or temporary AAC device that is low commitment before settling on a Specialised AAC.
Tandem has few internal components to save on manufacturing, assembly, and consumer costs, with majority of its power lying within the PCB. Tandem’s shell would be made with ABS for its shock resistant and durable properties, and for similar properties LSR would be used for the protective case.
Tandem is designed with disassembly in mind to combat maintenance times to ensure users have their AAC in a timely manner if any repairs are needed. This also allows parts to be repurposed after the product’s use life.
Screw fasteners ensure younger users (e.g., 3-10 years of age) cannot access any internal components and potentially hurt themselves.
The rechargeable battery is also easily replaceable using off the shelf components with JST connectors to connect to the PCB. This means a replacement can be purchased online and can quickly and easily be swapped out by an adult or professional. This allows Tandem to continue to function at optimal capacity even if the existing battery starts to degrade.
To Communicate and Connect. Anywhere. Always.
Tandem.
Allan, M., Anderson, K., Given, F., Holleran, G., Porter, G., & Solarsh, B. (2014). Australian Senate Inquiry: Prevalence of Different Types of Speech, Language, and Communication Disorders and Speech Pathology Services in Australia. ISAAC Australia, February 21, 2014.
Assessments Australia. (2022) Assessing students with Complex Communication Needs to support the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) and Disability Inclusion. Assessments Australia, Students with Disability Assessment Service. Max Solutions.
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Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2019). Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings 2018. Australian Bureau of Statistics. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/2018
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2024). Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Summary of Findings 2022. Australian Bureau of Statistics. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release#methodology
Communication Rights Australia. (n.d). Independence, Participation and Inclusion. What are my rights. https://www.communicationrights.org.au/resources/my-rights/
Crowe, B., Machalicek, W., Wei, Q., Drew, C., & Ganz, J. (2022). Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability: A Mega-Review of the Literature. Journal of developmental and physical disabilities, 34(1), 1–42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-021-09790-0
Halifax Regional Centre for Education. (2018, June 15). Talk to me with AAC: Aiden’s Story [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Fgl7w0_9lLU
Mulani is a creative specialising in Industrial Design and Visual Communication. She is passionate about product visualisation, bringing concepts to life through renderings and user-centered design. With a keen eye for aesthetics and functionality, she creates design solutions with impactful visual narratives.