Let’s Be Safe

The literature reveals that bullying for vulnerable users online is a pervasive problem. It is clear that there is a requirement for educational cybersafety resources targeted at this population. This research project proposes to produce an eLearning application called Let’s Be Safe for ID users. The application’s aim is to enable inclusion for this user group by innovatively teaching how to stay safe online.

Extensive research and testing will be undertaken to examine the interaction people with ID have with mobile and online applications. Based on the research, a prototype application will be designed, developed and tested, specifically for people with ID. Let’s Be Safe will be a multiplatform application, to be developed at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT). It will focus on a broad range of skills to protect against bullying and cyberbullying. It will be an information and resource tool that will focus on topics such as: What is Bullying, Choice and Control, Safety settings, Tech Tips, and Disablist Bullying.

Feedback from the users is the essence of the project. A focus group and a series of co-design workshops will be conducted with carers, families and the target users to evaluate their needs. Lo-fidelity paper prototypes will evaluate the initial design for usability and a hi-fidelity prototype will be then tested and evaluated with the target users. The design and prototyping will be carried out using co-design workshops and user-centred analysis in IADT and implemented in a participatory manner. Participants will be observed using the technology. Various suggestions for improvement will help future versions of the application. Usability evaluation tests will be conducted to evaluate if the final application is usable by persons with ID.