Shopping Without Numbers
Aug 2019 - Present

Introduction
Our problem space addresses the shopping experience for individuals with Dyscalculia. Dyscalculia is colloquially described as “dyslexia, but for numbers”. It is a cognitive disorder that inhibits individuals’ ability to judge the magnitude of numbers, and affects the individual’s overall ability to process quantitative information. In this project, we want to address the specific issue of shopping - a process that involves comparing numerical quantities-in the form of cost comparisons, number values, and budgeting. In our research, we learned that individuals with dyscalculia struggled to shop efficiently, often relying on others to help them manage payment, compare prices, and choose budget-friendly items.

Design
In our approach, we chose to design a smartphone application. We identified an app to be the most fitting form factor to use in the shopping setting. Most individuals carry one and it is often already used in the shopping setting to check a shop list, or perform quick calculations.
The approach we followed was to use proportions in the form of a bar that a user had to fill out to varying degrees to symbolize how much of the total they'd want to spend on specific items. A user sets an initial budget (i.e. $50), and then goes on to populate the relative budgets for other products. This screen on the left shows that bread will be 2/5 of the overall budget.
As users add items to their list, the app will grey out the items that are out of budget for the user. Let's say somebody set up a budget for bread of 1/5 of their total budget. Given that the overall budget is 50$ (added at the beginning), one bread that costs 6$ will grey out all other breads above $4. The key here is that the user does not see numbers through this interaction, but rather they just fill their budget bar to different degrees to see how much can they buy with it. In addition we have the option to listen to the number out loud as this can help with recognition.
Conclusions
We set out on this project with the goal of helping individuals with dyscalculia plan their shopping trips by allowing them to set an initial budget and create a shopping list. Our solution tried to reduce exposure to numbers by replacing them with filled out bars to varying degrees. However when we presented this to individuals with dyscalculia their feedback was that relative sizing of things is quite a struggle as well and it does not help so much identify the cost of items. We found out that many people with dyscalculia have developed their own ways of identifying numbers and prizes in the store. It is a good lesson to learn that technology should not be built to replace the way people do things on their own accord.
Team
Santiago Arconada Alvarez
Jordan Hill
Shihui Ruan
Prabodh Sakhardande
Harshali Wadge
#Dyscalculia #Figma #Storyboards #User Research #Interviews #Cognitive Walkthrough