Development of Smart Link Book as a Medium for Interaction Between Special School Institutions and Parents Through User Centered Design

¹ Department of Non-formal Education, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia
² Department of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia
³ Department of Special Education, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia
⁴ SLB Autis Laboratorium, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia
⁵ Department of Professional Development and Continuing Education, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: wahyu.nur.ft@um.ac.id

Abstract

By redesigning linking books, this study seeks to enhance the user-communication experience (UX) between school-aged children with special needs (SLB) and their parents. Understanding special education pupils’ growth, needs, and progress depends heavily on effective parent-school communication. Current link books, however, frequently fall short in terms of providing information in a user-friendly and inclusive manner. This research employs a user-oriented design approach to comprehend the requirements and preferences of parents and special education students. We found possible issues in the current bridge books through content analysis and engagement methods. The findings of this study will be used to guide the redesign of link books so that they are more user-friendly and available to everyone. The creation of a new linking book prototype involved the application of iterative design techniques. This prototype includes design components like inclusive language, understandable graphics, and improved accessibility features. Then, to gauge reactions and identify areas for development, this prototype was tested with the help of parents of SLB students and the students themselves. It is intended that the findings of this study would help those who create connecting books for special schools and other educational institutions that wish to enhance communication with special needs student groups. Better design will allow us to establish more efficient lines of communication between parents and schools, enhancing parental support for the academic growth of special education kids.