SOLUSI DESAIN APLIKASI PEMBELAJARAN UNTUK ANAK BERKEBUTUHAN KHUSUS (AUTISME) MENGGUNAKAN METODE UX JOURNEY

This research aims to design a learning application specifically designed for children with special needs, especially those with autism. Autism is a complex developmental disorder whose symptoms usually appear before the child reaches the age of three. This disorder is neurological in nature and affects the neurobiological aspects of the brain, thereby hampering children's development in various areas. Autistic children typically show delays in cognitive, social, and communication development compared to typically developing children. The main characteristics of autistic children include a lack of social skills, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behavior. Therefore, it is important to create strategies and learning aids that can overcome these deficiencies so that autistic children can achieve independence in meeting their daily needs. This research aims to improve the quality of learning for autistic children through designing intuitive and effective learning applications. The research methodology applies the UX (User Experience) Journey concept which focuses on the user experience when using an application. This approach involves in-depth analysis of the needs and preferences of autistic children, as well as testing and design iteration to ensure that the applications developed are truly appropriate and useful for them. This application is expected to increase the learning motivation of autistic children through a user-friendly interface, interactive content, and adaptive learning methods. With a specially designed learning application, it is hoped that this research can make a significant contribution in simplifying the learning process for autistic children. This application aims not only to improve learning outcomes but also to provide the necessary support for their cognitive and social development. Ultimately, it is hoped that this application can help autistic children reach their maximum potential and become more independent in everyday life.