Skeuomorphic, flat or material design: requirements for designing mobile planning applications for students with autism spectrum disorder

This study explores the user interface design requirements for developing a mobile planning application for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We developed a mobile agenda application to support students in planning their activities. To test students' preference for a particular style, we designed three versions of the app, based on three different design styles (flat design, material design, and skeuomorphic design). Results show that the app was perceived as useful, likeable and user-friendly. Although, no significant difference was found between three designs, the material design was largely preferred over other two designs.