Research-driven UX CASE STUDY
HomeMe
Smart Travel Support for People with Intellectual Disabilities
From Volunteering to Designing
Built from Firsthand Volunteering Experience in Disability Care Organizations
While volunteering across three different disability-focused organizations during my undergraduate years, I observed a recurring issue: adults in day programs—referred to as “students” within these settings—faced major challenges with daily transportation. These moments shaped my understanding of their unmet needs and inspired me to design a solution grounded in empathy and real-life experience.
The Challenge
Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Face Daily Barriers in Navigating Public Transit
Despite being capable in many areas, most students in day programs struggle with commuting independently. Public transportation isn’t designed for cognitive accessibility, making travel unsafe or overwhelming. As a result, students depend on caregivers for even short, routine trips—limiting autonomy and increasing caregiver burden.
MY solution
HomeMe Is a Wearable, App-Connected Transit System That Supports Safer, More Independent Travel
HomeMe is a smart travel support system tailored for adults with intellectual disabilities. It includes a wearable bus card that simplifies check-ins, a custom card reader installed on vehicles, and a caregiver app that allows real-time tracking and alerts. The system gives students more freedom to move through their day, while keeping families connected and reassured.
Learning & Reflection
Designing for Autonomy Requires Deep Empathy and Systems Thinking
This project taught me that designing for adults with intellectual disabilities goes far beyond accessibility checklists—it requires understanding their lived experiences, support networks, and emotional needs. Through immersive research and iterative prototyping, I learned to approach design as part of a broader care ecosystem, where physical products, digital tools, and human relationships all need to work together.
It also reminded me that impact often comes from quiet, everyday moments—like getting on a bus without assistance. Empowering that moment through design is something I’ll carry with me into every future project.
