Euphemia is a pro-bono project that was part of my bachelor's and master's theses.

I believe it is highly relevant to study the experience of nonverbal communication in virtual and physical spaces. The opportunity to be heard and to hear are prerequisites for a sense of connection and belonging with others.

Through my research papers and iOS prototype, I open up the conversation of what it looks like to include someone who doesn’t speak a spoken language. I investigate how communication is represented on iPhones and demonstrate that it is not only important to provide Ms* individuals with the right AAC* tools but also crucial to invite verbal, non-users of AAC devices to the conversation.

How can AAC users initiate deep conversations with their own vocabulary words?

What could be an AAC that accommodates all individuals, nonverbal or verbal?

True communication is not one-dimensional. How can AACs be reinvented to support remote communication?

I hope that future AACs can give people without voices - voices and help people feel welcomed, seen, and heard.

Technology has significantly evolved over the years, can AAC technologies integrate augmented reality and artificial intelligence to enhance communication experiences for the nonverbal?

In future extensive research endeavors, I hope that AACs can capture the essence of nonverbal communication to contribute to a society where all voices are heard and listened to.

By rethinking and challenging how people experience communication, I hope we can build a more inclusive society where all voices are heard.

Special thanks to my family, friends, Best Buddies, Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN), AXIS Dance Company, Irvine Unified School District (IUSD), SF Design Week, CITRIS Foundry, and the Arcus Foundation

* Nonverbal and minimally speaking individuals

* Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)