"Xiaoyu from the Stars": An interactive popularization design to let people know about autistic children

Abstract

This paper discusses an art project "Xiaoyu from the Stars". In an immersive space we exhibited a series new media artworks based on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This project was dedicated to popularizing autism knowledge to the general public. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heritable, lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder with complicated causes and courses [1]. This project used visual, auditory, interactive tactile experience to give participants a deep understanding of autism in a short period. The exhibition works included an experimental video, an interactive installation and a robot for children with autism. Video presented a story about autistic boy by stop-motion animation, and popularized the common sense of autism. The design of the interactive installation was based on the scene of stop-motion animation, which strengthened the cognition of the characteristics of autism. Finally, there was a robot specially designed for children with autism, allowing participants to assume the role of children with autism, and getting closer to the real life of children with autism by experiencing the interaction of the robot's turn-based teaching. After the experience, participants not only had a deep understanding of autism, but also been willing to help children with autism and gave them more care, tolerance, and love.