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Persona development : Luis

JayneSchurick edited this page Aug 29, 2021 · 20 revisions

Quote ideas

I love to do my shopping. It is good to go into my shop but there are too many choices. Using my phone means I only see what I like.

Description

Luis was born with Down syndrome and has mild to moderate cognitive delay. Due to his distinct facial appearance and difficulties with speech, many people underestimate Luis' intelligence and capabilities. Even though he has difficulty expressing himself, Luis understands a great deal. He learned basic computer skills in vocational school and since then, he has taught himself how to use websites to order groceries and maintain his bank account, among other things.

Luis loves basketball. He played in his school team and now in a local club. He is also an enthusiastic fan and attends games when he can. Buying tickets online can be difficult sometimes for Luis. Venues all seem to have different ways to buy tickets and it can sometimes be confusing. This is particularly difficult when the venue website links off to a separate site that looks totally different. Luis likes sites that have a consistent "feel" when going from section to section or page to page. This means the overall layout maintains a similar theme and the placement of the navigation doesn't change too much. Especially confusing is when he clicks on a link and ends up in a PDF file.

Luis is keen to get a job but worries that the jargon will make this initially difficulty. Writing in "plain language" is really helpful. If something can be said using simpler terminology or shorter sentences, that is a plus. Also, acronyms and abbreviations really slow him down because he has to spend time trying to figure them out or going to look them up. Headings are also a huge help as it splits up the page and he can digest information in smaller chunks, kind of like an outline of the page. When navigating a page, having good focus and link styling helps him know where he is and what he can click on.

Getting a mobile phone was a huge deal for Luis. He finds apps that have fewer options and fewer decisions are clearer for him and easier to use. Using the phone for shopping is really easy for Luis. Being able to find the things he usually buys is a huge help.

Technologies or adaptations used

Barrier examples

Breadcrumb trail : Problem: When I follow several links, sometimes I feel lost and I just want to get back to where I started. : Works well: A breadcrumb at the top of the page that shows all of the pages I was on helps me feel oriented and lets me go back to a familiar page.

Plain language : Problem: Sometimes when I'm looking something up, I don't understand the words they use. : Works well: If simpler words can be used, use them. If there aren't simpler words, give me a definition or point me to a glossary. Avoid the use of acronyms and abbreviations.

Clear link styling : Problem: Designers like to get fancy with links and sometimes it's hard to figure out the difference between the links and highlighted text or headings. : Works well: Use blue underlined text for unvisited links and purple for visited links.

Related resources

Related principles


Working materials

https://www.nchpad.org/1415/6299/Employment~in~Adults~with~Down~Syndrome

Online scenarios

  • Shopping
  • Figuring out the bus schedule
  • Music editing
  • App to help him manage his daily schedule

What myth or stereotype does this persona address?

  • People with Down syndrome have severe cognitive delays
  • People with Down syndrome have to go to a special segregated education program and are unemployable
  • People with Down syndrome don't form close interpersonal relationships
  • Most people with Down syndrome are institutionalized

Needs or barriers to be included

  • Plain language (currently not included)
  • Consistent layout and navigation
  • Content zooms (currently not included)
  • Good sized controls (currently not included)
  • Icons with associated text (currently not included)
  • Provide spelling suggestions
  • Clear instructions
  • Present information in different ways
  • Labels and instructions
  • Error suggestion
  • Focus visible
  • Avoidance of unusual words and abbreviations

Impact of barriers

  • Gets confused and frustrated if he can't complete a task