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Overview
Created in 2025, Social Scout is an educational organization facilitating social-emotional learning in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It provides social-emotional resources at low or no cost, working towards accessibility to information. Social Scout believes in the uniqueness and individuality of all people, crossing barriers, inspiring communication, promoting learning, and fostering relationships.
Target audience
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Main Target: Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Ages: 13–18 (teenagers)
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Financial Status: Low-income
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Location: America
Client
Student Project (Senior Design Campaign)
Deliverables
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Logo Identity (Vector)
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Logo Animation (Video)
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Brand Guidelines Manual (8.5 x 11 in.)
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Social Scout App (Figma)
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UI/UX Design
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Motion Graphic (1080 x 1080 px)
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Poster (11 x 17 in.)
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Digital Mockups (11 x 8.5 ins.)
Problem Statement:
Social Scout addresses the lack of financially and geographically accessible social-emotional resources for young people with ASD, which leads to frustration, depression, and social isolation.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
“...a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.”
-The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V)
Some Symptoms of ASD:
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Difficulties with eye contact
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Speech and language delay
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Struggles with empathy
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Anxiety around changes to routine
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Limited interest in peers
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Trouble interpreting nonverbal cues (tone of voice, body language, gestures, facial expressions, etc.)
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Trouble relating to others
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Difficulty making friends
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Intense interests in specific topics (hyperfixations)
-The University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder experience deficits in Social-Emotional Skills:
“...competencies that support key life outcomes, including health and well-being, academic achievement, and job performance.”
-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Barriers to Treatment
Therapies such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) and social skills training may help individuals connect with and understand appropriate behaviors.
Unfortunately, intensive therapies like ABA are expensive and time-consuming, eating up 20+ hours per week. Such therapies and associated medications may be generally inaccessible due to geographic location or limited availability of services.
-The University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences
-Psychopharmacology Bulletin, vol. 46
Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder can cost Americans...
$100–250
Per hour
$45,000+
Per year
-Above & Beyond Therapy
-Psychopharmacology Bulletin, vol. 46
Introducing...
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Social-Emotional Resources for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Theme: "Welcoming"
Social Scout prioritizes an inclusive and safe learning environment, free from overstimulating visuals or stigmatizing language. It must foster an atmosphere that encourages teens to linger.
Concept: "Connections in a Fantasy Forest"
Forests are calming and serene places, yet also alive with movement, discovery, and life. Nature-inspired colors, rustic textures, and woodsy iconography help Social Scout feel familiar and friendly.
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Logo Identity
Infinity loop #1
Smooth, organic lines
Infinity loop #2
Infinity loop #3
Infinity loops and, to a lesser extent, butterflies are known symbols of Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a nod to the strong communities people with ASD have built, I incorporate infinity loops in several areas and base the logomark on a butterfly. To fit Social Scout's welcoming and empathetic image, the wordmark incorporates soft linework, gentle slopes, and calming colors.
Primary logo
Secondary logo
Logomark
Tertiary logo
Colors
Primary Colors
Secondary Colors
Multiple sources across my research observed similar color preferences in young people with ASD. Muted and pastel blues, greens, and neutrals are noticeably calming and comforting, allowing increased concentration and preventing overstimulation. Additionally, these colors mesh well with the woodsy concept.
-Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 13
Motion Graphic
The Social Scout motion graphic is intended for use both as a social media advertisement and as onboarding content for the app. The gentle movement of visuals, comforting colors, soothing music, and even-toned voice make for an interesting animation without all of the loud visuals of most mainstream ads.
Mobile App Design
Why an App?
The interactive nature of a mobile app allows users to move at their own pace. Social Scout provides hundreds of available articles in a portable, digestible format. Users can pick and choose what they would like to learn, then engage directly with the material through quizzes.
Appealing to the Target Audience
Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder want to learn, but they are tired of lectures from people who misunderstand their struggles. The Social Scout app allows them to take learning into their own hands.
The interface is built with them in mind (rather than their parents or guardians). Features such as the Dashboard and Cottage allow teens to take breaks and give them more opportunities to engage.
Full App Walkthrough
Mobile App Style Guide
