Project Overview

My Role: Project Manager, UX Designer

Team: Spencer Henderson, Alison Barczak, Leo Consiglio

Timeline: 10 weeks

Context: Human-centered design challenge focused on neurodivergent accessibility in theme parks

The Challenge: 15 million Disney guests annually with Sensory Processing Disorder find the park experience overwhelming, with 80% finding existing accommodations unhelpful and 75% reporting adverse sensory experiences.

The Solution: Inclusive, sensory-friendly solutions integrating with existing Disney technology including interactive signage, customizable sensory settings, traffic management, and ride vehicle controls.

The Impact: Demonstrated comprehensive UX research methodology with vulnerable populations and created framework for inclusive theme park design that benefits all guests.

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Research & Discovery

Approximately 15 million guests visit Disney Parks annually with Sensory Processing Disorder, finding the experience overwhelming and limiting their ability to fully enjoy the magic.

Research Methodology

Our research approach combined quantitative data collection with qualitative insights to understand the full scope of sensory challenges in theme park environments.

Key Research Methods

• Surveys with Disney guests who have sensory sensitivities
• 15 in-depth interviews over two weeks with experts and individuals with SPD
• Secondary research on theme park accessibility standards
• Journey mapping to identify pain points throughout park experience

Interview Skills Development

This project significantly improved my ability to conduct sensitive interviews with vulnerable populations, learning to put participants at ease and gather authentic insights.

User Journey Maps & Research Methodology Documentation

80%

of surveyed guests found existing accommodations unhelpful

75%

said adverse sensory experiences affected their visit

15M

annual Disney guests with Sensory Processing Disorder

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"They love to visit Disney World with their friends and go on rides. We were amazed to realize that they feel shame and guilt for missing out on theme park experiences with their friends due to overstimulation and sensory overload."

— Insight from interviewing Hunter, college student with ASD and SPD

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Problem Definition

How might we create an inclusive and magical experience by integrating existing tech without overwhelming the senses?

Strategic Approach

We focused on creating solutions with varying implementation costs, from quick wins to north star concepts that could benefit broader guest populations.

Design Principles

• Preserve Disney Magic: Maintain enchantment while reducing sensory overwhelm
• Integrate Seamlessly: Work with existing MagicBand and MyDisneyExperience technology
• Empower Choice: Give guests control over their sensory environment
• Universal Benefit: Design solutions that enhance experiences for all guests

Scope Considerations

We treated the entire park experience as a holistic UX challenge, considering the complete user journey rather than isolated touchpoints.

Problem Framework & Design Principles Visualization

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Solution Design

Five interconnected solutions targeting the entire park experience as a comprehensive UX ecosystem.

Interactive Sensory Signage

Dynamic park signage featuring favorite characters providing directions, integrated with MyDisneyExperience App navigation. Quick usability testing revealed important considerations like user height affecting interaction design.

Sensory Preference Settings

Customizable MagicBand+ system allowing guests to adjust haptic feedback, light-up effects, and audio cues. Settings sync with ride experiences to reduce unexpected stimuli while preserving Disney magic.

Entrance Traffic Management

Optimized park entry processes with staggered arrivals and quiet entry zones, designed to minimize overwhelming first impressions for neurodivergent guests.

Ride Vehicle Immersion Controls

Prototype system allowing individual guests to control lighting, audio, and motion intensity during rides without disrupting the experience for other guests.

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Design Process

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Discover: Generative Research

Conducted extensive surveys and secondary research to identify major pain points for people with sensory sensitivities in theme parks.

Define: Interviews & Journey Mapping

15 interviews over two weeks with experts and individuals with SPD. Created detailed user personas and storyboarded the complete customer journey.

Develop: Solution Ideation

Focused on creating solutions with varying implementation costs, balancing quick wins with ambitious north star concepts.

Deliver: Prototyping & Testing

Rapid prototyping and usability testing revealed unexpected insights about functionality and accessibility considerations.

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Impact & Validation

Solution Validation

User testing showed positive response to character-integrated signage, strong preference for granular sensory controls, and confirmation that universal design benefits all guests.

Stakeholder Reception

The comprehensive approach resonated with accessibility advocates, theme park industry professionals, and families with neurodivergent members.

Project Management Impact

Successfully coordinated cross-functional team across UX research, concept development, and prototyping while managing project scope and timeline constraints.

Research Methodology Excellence

Demonstrated effective research methods for sensitive user populations and created framework for inclusive theme park design.

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Key Learnings

Scope Management is Critical

This project was ambitious in scope, which meant some solutions received less attention than others. This taught me the importance of manageable scope planning and strategic prioritization to ensure thorough development of key concepts.

Interview Skills Development

I refined my interview techniques for sensitive topics, learning to put participants at ease and ask better follow-up questions. This skill development was particularly rewarding and impactful for gathering authentic insights.

Inclusive Design Benefits Everyone

Solutions designed for neurodivergent users often improve the experience for all guests, demonstrating the power of inclusive design thinking in creating universally better experiences.

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