When words aren't enough
AutiMelody began with my sister. Seeing how difficult it could be for her to communicate what she wanted, needed or understood made me question something we often take for granted: why do we expect communication to look the same for everyone?
So much of everyday life relies on spoken instructions, yet words are not always the easiest way for someone to understand what is happening or express how they feel. I started wondering whether there could be another way; one that works with, rather than around, the person.
Music felt like a natural place to start. It can create recognition, anticipation and emotional connection without requiring words. What began as a personal question became AutiMelody: an exploration of how we can design communication around people, rather than asking people to fit the communication systems already available.
Designing Communication Differently
AutiMelody uses personalised melodies to support everyday communication for people with intellectual disabilities. A melody can become connected to a familiar activity — such as eating, showering or going for a walk — creating a recognisable sound-based cue for what is happening or what comes next. Behind this simple idea is a process of continuous testing, learning and adapting. We bring together music, technology, research and the experiences of the people who use AutiMelody and the caregivers who work alongside them.
My own research has helped us investigate what happens when communication is approached in this way, but the project continues to evolve beyond the research itself. We are not trying to replace existing forms of communication. We are exploring what another layer could add a way to make everyday interactions more personal, intuitive and accessible.
Let’s Rethink Communication
What if communication did not have to start with words? What if we designed around the different ways people perceive, understand and express themselves, rather than expecting everyone to communicate in the same way? AutiMelody is one attempt to explore that question through music, but we are still discovering where it can go. At Dutch Design Week, we want to take AutiMelody out of the care setting and into a much wider conversation. At our stand, you can hear the melodies, see how the app works, and experience the idea behind it for yourself. Most importantly, we want to hear from you. What would make communication more accessible? What have we overlooked? And what could communication look like if we designed it differently from the start? Come by, try AutiMelody, and share your thoughts with us. We can't wait to meet you.
