AutaEase
A sensory smart social platform that empowers autistic adults to connect,explore and engage on their own terms.
View prototype
“What if PEOPLE WITH AUTISM had their own platform where they could build connections , no judgments, comparison, all on your terms?”
Why Auta Ease
After browsing sensory-friendly events, Mike joins a small motor gear workshop led by a warm, welcoming guide. Surrounded by a handful of new friends, the experience feels relaxed, engaging, and entirely at his pace.
Meet Arun !
Arun works a 9 to 5 job, has a supportive family, but after work he has no idea what to do. His friends often don’t invite him out, since he is not comfortable with crowded bars.
Auta Ease was born from listening to real voices. Through in-person interviews and empathy mapping, we discovered the deep need for predictability, sensory comfort, and choice in social engagement. Our goal became clear: to create a space that doesn’t just invite you in it meets you where you are.
Autistic adults often face social isolation during evening hours, when most social activities occur in environments that can be overwhelming and unpredictable. Existing platforms rarely address sensory sensitivities, emotional readiness, or the need for autonomy, leaving a gap for safe, personalized, and inclusive social engagement.
Our problem
Meet The Team
Designing AutaEase was a deeply collaborative journey rooted in empathy and emotional experience. Our team combined expertise in UX research, inclusive product design, and emotion-centered interaction design to craft a platform that goes beyond function. Together, we built a product experience that prioritizes emotional safety, sensory control, and autonomy for autistic adults transforming social participation into a personalized and empowering experience.
Software used
Design Thinking
Designing AutaEase required more than just wireframes it demanded empathy-first thinking, sensory insight, and iterative emotional testing. Our goal was to move beyond functionality and craft a product experience that feels emotionally safe, respectful, and empowering for autistic adults.
Arun sees an interesting sensory-friendly board game night. He wants adjust his prefernce and set his profile to filter events in home page
Solution
09:41
Welcome to
AUTAEASE !!
Your safe space to connect
Auta Ease helps autistic adults discover, preview, and join sensory-friendly social events tailored to their comfort. Users can filter activities by environment, sensory factors, and group size, with organizers providing detailed previews and flexible RSVP options for a safe, enjoyable experience.
User Persona
Arun Patel
“The Selective Socializer”
Age :35
Education : Computer science
Motive: Seeking comfortable, small group activities that match sensory needs.
Goals
Easily discover sensory-friendly events.
Join small group activities aligned with his interests (tech, board games).
Control over RSVP and event details.
Needs
A platform to preview events with sensory information.
Filters for group size and environment.
Consistent, predictable experiences.
Frustration
Arun struggles with noisy, unpredictable venues and last-minute event changes. He often skips activities due to lack of sensory information, missing out on meaningful social interactions.
About Arun
Personality
A software tester who enjoys structured leisure time. Arun values routine and predictability, but wants to expand his social circle within environments where he feels safe and in control.
Extrovert
Sensing
Thinking
Judging
Introvert
Feeling
Intuition
Prospecting
Flows & Information Architecture
Arun sees an interesting sensory-friendly board game night. He wants adjust his prefernce and set his profile to filter events in home page
Duration : 5 seconds
Start
Welcome
Screen
Login
Sign in
Home
Profile
Adjust
preference
Filter
location
Home
End
Save
presets
Start
Navbar
Navbar
Have an account
Create an account
Clicks on Profile icon
Clicks on Home icon
in the profile page
Navigates to profile icon at the
bottom nav bar
or
View
events
Sofia wants to find a beginner pottery workshop with a friendly host and predictable environment.Objective: Search and register for a skill-based workshop.
Duration : 10 seconds
Start
Welcome
Screen
Login
Home
Filters event
cards updated as
prefered
View event
details :
(photos, host
and sensory maps.)
Checks host
profiles
RSVP
Events
Click
RSVP
Clicks on RSVP
Views events before confirming
Clicks rsvp after reviewing the event
After RSVP the event is marked on calendar
Checks
Leave early
box
seated
near exit
box checked
Event is
marked
in calendar
Reminder
is set a day before the
event
Books and
Pays event
Receives
confirmation
END
12:30
p
Over the course of product design and experience the information architecture would change as a result of user feedback. Key changes include:
Consolidated event list, sensory preferences and RSVP into one easy access page.
Removed hamburger menu and placed all features in bottom navigation bar
Log In / Sign Up
Home screen
Log In / Sign Up
Reward Home screen
Comfort profile:
Includes:
Adjust sensory preferences
Preferred activities
(Indoor, Outdoor,pet friendly)
Save comfort presets
Includes:
host info , venue info, attendee count.
RSVP /Cancel RSVP
Add to calendar
Settings
Includes:
Edit profile nd preferences
View attended events
Change password
Help &support
Logout
Event Details
Includes :
Sign in / Create account
Log in is you have and account.
Sign in through social media.
Launches comfort profile set up
Includes :
Congratulation and gives
share guest access.
Encourages user to skip this aswell
Includes :
Recommends sensory events.
Search by location or interest
Explore events by category
Bottom navigation
Prioritize comfort profile setup on first login.
12:30
12:30
12:30
12:30
Reward Home Screen
User Journey Map
Access
Choose
Reserve
Share
Touchpoint
Action
Event search results
Event detail card
Browses events
Selects“Board Game Night”
Reads sensory map and attendee list
Wonders if
environment photos
are recent
Ensure updated photos & sensory info
Invite option
Share via social or in-app message
Shares event with a friend Waits for their response
Friend unsure about accessibility of venue
Add venue accessibility verification
Auta Ease home screen
Sensory preference filters
None at this stage
Smooth onboarding
&clear filter options
Opens app
Logs in
Adjusts filters
for noise, lighting,
and group size
User Journey Map
Access
Choose
Reserve
Share
Touchpoint
Action
Event search results
Event detail card
Browses events
Selects“Board Game Night”
Reads sensory map and attendee list
Wonders if
environment photos
are recent
Ensure updated photos & sensory info
Invite option
Share via social or in-app message
Shares event with a friend Waits for their response
Friend unsure about accessibility of venue
Add venue accessibility verification
Auta Ease home screen
Sensory preference filters
None at this stage
Smooth onboarding
&clear filter options
Opens app
Logs in
Adjusts filters
for noise, lighting,
and group size
RSVP screen
Confirmation message
Confirms RSVP
Adds event to calendar
None at this stage
Offer pre-event reminders and “day-of” comfort tips
painpoints
opportunities
Emotion
Arun Patel - The selective socializer
Scenario - Wants to attend a sensory friendly
board game night.
Expectation - To preview the event environment and RSVP without pressure.
RSVP screen
Confirmation message
Confirms RSVP
Adds event to calendar
None at this stage
Offer pre-event reminders and “day-of” comfort tips
painpoints
opportunities
Emotion
Arun Patel - The selective socializer
Scenario - Wants to attend a sensory friendly
board game night.
Expectation - To preview the event environment and RSVP without pressure.
“I want to know exactly what the event will be like before I commit.”
“Crowded, noisy places drain me.”
“I like connecting with people, but I need the option to leave without feeling judged.”
“It’s easier when I can filter events to match my comfort level.”
Feels
Empathy Map
Says
Thinks
Does
Gains
Pains
Will this event be too overwhelming?
Will there be anyone I know or can talk to?
What if I need a break or to leave early?
Is the environment accessible for my needs?
Anxious about unpredictable environments.
Relieved when events provide clear details and sensory information.
Curious about meeting like-minded people.
Confident when they feel in control of their participation.
Uses online searches to find events but often abandons plans due to lack of information.
Reads reviews and checks photos before committing.
Chooses small, familiar group activities.
Avoids last-minute changes in schedule or environment.
Overstimulation from noise, lighting, or crowd size.
Unclear event details.
Social pressure to participate or stay longer.
Lack of accessible, sensory-friendly event options.
Sensory maps and event previews.
Filters for environment, group size, and activity type.
Flexible RSVP and “leave anytime” culture.
Opportunities to connect with people who share similar interests.
This prcoess was done to understand our target audience clearly , to understand their needs and actions. This empathy map helped us in gaining a perspective of our product , through understand peoples thoughts and feelings. this infromation is based on insights gained from user interview
users who are autistic adults aged between 30 to 50 and have jobs , family support but face social isolation
Usability testing
Objective :
To evaluate whether AUTAEASE’s interface is easy to navigate, emotionally safe, and personalized for autistic adults aged 30–50, ensuring the app supports low-stress social engagement.
Methodology :
Participants: 3 autistic adults (mix of part-time workers, full-time workers, and unemployed with family support)
Testing Mode: Remote moderated sessions (Zoom) + in-person guided testing.
Tools used :
Tested wire-frame on maze
and
the final prototype on Morph cast to understand the emotions of our users while using the app.
Test link maze : https://t.maze.co/409591648
To view the test link taken by user :
https://app.maze.co/report/reels/5d7425b5-4a86-4bd6-b0e4-02c6b3241f39
Test setup for Morphcast
● Morph Cast Emotion AI: Tracked real time facial expression attention shifts and engagement fluctuations.
● Session included think-aloud commentary and were recorded for facial emotion and attention data analysis.
● Emotional metrics included engagements, valence and attention level, understanding the positive and negative level.
Metrics tracked :
● Average attention scores per screen.
● Engagement peaks and drops.
● Emotional valence across interactions
● Subconscious reactions.
App UI
09:41
Connect Unwind ,be
YOURSELF !!
09:41
Welcome to
AUTAEASE !!
Your safe space to connect
09:41
AUTAEASE
Evenings designed for comfort , connection and calm - made for neuro divergent minds
Breathe In . Ease In
Auta Ease began as a New York and New Jersey-based community for autistic adults seeking more than just a quiet night in a space to connect, unwind, and share structured, sensory-considerate evenings. Our mission is to foster genuine belonging, build emotionally safe communities, and make low-pressure social experiences accessible for those who often feel left out of the mainstream.
We’re made up of quiet creatives, deep thinkers, gentle souls, routine lovers, curious minds, and those who value connection on their own terms.
The Auta Ease community
We’re not just an app we’re a gentle circle of people who understand that “going out” looks different for everyone. With us, ease comes first.
We partner with local venues, artists, and sensory consultants to ensure each evening is respectful, engaging, and optional — because we believe comfort is a right, not a bonus.
Our Partners
Meet our hosts
Client’s Lounge talk
At Auta Ease, our hosts aren’t just event facilitators — they’re gentle guides, thoughtful listeners, and community builders who understand what it means to crave connection without pressure.
Each of our hosts brings a unique background — from art therapy and accessibility design to music healing and nature-based mindfulness — but they all share one mission:
to create calm, safe, and inclusive spaces where autistic adults can connect in their own time and on their own terms.
Project for
empty
space
Te’
Company
Clay ground
studio
Healing
Arts
Blue stocking
Cooperative
Te’
Company
Project for
empty
space
Neel
Maya
Leo
Alma
James
Ruhaan
Eun-woo
Volunteer as host
Let’s go up
AUTAEASE
Home
Podcast
Profile
Setting
09:41
What’s your plan for the eve ?
Tell us what kind of events interest you buddy !
Quiet Clay &
Coffee Workshop
Senryu Garden &
Sketch Morning
Guided Tech
Tea chat
(Hybrid)
Guided Tech
Tea chat
(Hybrid)
Senryu Garden Sketch & Evening Taco night!
Sherly D’souza
Start your morning in peace. This autism-affirming sketch session blends gentle mindfulness with creativity. You’ll be guided by Sherley in a quiet Japanese-style garden, surrounded by soft greenery, a torii gate, and stone lanterns. Whether you sketch, write, or just sit with your thoughts—this is your time.
Venue: Willow Grove Sensory Garden
Address: 181 Forest Lane, Montclair, NJ
Date & Time:
Saturday,
July 13 · 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Activity: Outdoor sketching & haiku reflection in a calm garden setting along with tacos
Start your evening in peace. This autism-affirming sketch session blends gentle mindfulness with creativity. You’ll be guided by Sherley in a quiet Japanese-style garden, surrounded by soft greenery, a tor-ii gate, and stone lanterns. Whether you sketch, write, or just sit with your thoughts this is your time and enjoy tacos!
🪑 Sensory-safe seating, tea, and sketch materials will be provided.
🎧 Headphones welcome | 👥 Group size: 6–8 max
💬 No pressure to share | Take breaks anytime
Home
Podcast
Profile
Setting
09:41
Real Voice, Real Stories
& Real Autism Podcast
Calming playlists just for you
Rain On Glass
By: Painting with Passion
Artist’s and podcasts
Home
Podcast
Profile
Setting
09:41
Quiet Clay &
Coffee Workshop
Senryu Garden &
Sketch Morning
Guided Tech
Tea chat
(Hybrid)
Guided Tech
Tea chat
(Hybrid)
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Calendar
July 2025
Seryu Garden Sketch
sensory garden
Willow Grove Sensory Garden,
181 Forest Lane, Montclair, NJ
Sunday, July 13 | 5:00PM-7:30PM
Creative Circle: Paint & Quiet
Silent painting studio
The Still Studio, Brooklyn
3PM-6PM
Home
Podcast
Profile
Setting
09:41
AUTAEASE
AUTAEASE
Start Where you are!
Choose your city to explore calming, sensory-considerate evening experiences near you.
Not sure Where to Begin ?
Explore experiences by
Mood in Your Profile ?
City Option Cards
New York
City
New jersey
Expanding
soon
Choose your Kind of Evening
Reflect
Breathe
Create
Home
Podcast
Profile
Setting
AUTAEASE is a sensory-conscious, inclusive social platform thoughtfully crafted for autistic adults seeking safe, low-pressure ways to connect, relax, and participate in local events. The UI prioritizes emotional comfort, autonomy, and ease of use, offering features such as detailed event previews, sensory filters, social anxiety preferences, and city-based discovery cards.
Gentle onboarding with welcoming visuals and human-centered language ("Be yourself", "Start where you are").
Event discovery with illustrated tiles and real-life photography to balance visual engagement with clarity.
Accessibility settings such as sliders for social energy and noise tolerance ensure personalized recommendations.
Calendar RSVP integration for structured planning and predictability.
Soft, muted pastels and clean layouts minimize cognitive load and support focus.
Constraints
Although AUTAEASE meets many of the needs in our original problem statement, there are still improvement areas to address in future iterations:
Building Deeper Trust
We need to further explore ways to create quality, trust-based connections between users. Emotional safety is core to our mission and deserves more focus in upcoming updates.
Event Host & Partner Engagement
Success depends on attracting committed, sensory-aware event hosts and partners. This may require a separate outreach and partnership strategy.
Sustainable Monetization
We have not yet examined monetization strategies that maintain affordability, which was a key user priority. This will need careful planning to ensure inclusivity.
What we Learned
Designing AUTAEASE showed us how to pair emotional safety with habit formation, using Nir Eyal’s Hooked model to build gentle triggers, simple actions, and rewarding feedback.
From the Product Experience & Design class, We learned to blend research, emotional insights, and iterative prototyping into a process that keeps the user at the center. Don’t get attached to design decisions , concepts will change over time ,learns to appreciate mistakes and changes which will help us do justice for our product than letting it not work. Testing and iterations are key throughout the process , our quick sprints and design sketches allowed us to be more flexible and reflective on our product.
With AUTAEASE, we’ve gone from an initial concept to a tested, emotionally attuned product transforming theory into a tangible, inclusive experience.
How Designing for emotions changed our approach
We now design for trust, comfort, and autonomy, using both Norman’s Emotional Design and Hooked to balance feelings with behavior patterns.
Next Steps
Expand community events, run long-term habit testing, and explore AI-based sensory recommendations.
Our reflection
2025 Shrivalli Attavar. All rights reserved
c