Inclusive Zoom Plugin
Makes virtual meetings less stressful for people who stutter.
Unseen barrier for PWS.
Current video chat apps aren’t built for people who stutter – they prioritize smooth verbal communication while missing important nonverbal signals that help these users express themselves.
Raise Hand
Name Tag
Water Flow
PWS Disclosure
Affirmative Message
Raise Hand
Name Tag
Hold Speech Turn
Affirmative Message
Disclosure
Kickoff
AImpower presented a comprehensive set of ideas gathered from first-round sessions with participants. These ideas can categorized into three chronological phases:
Pre-virtual meeting
Strategies for mindset preparation and education for both PWS and fluent speakers
During virtual meeting
Features like PWS disclosure. informing others, setting VC policy, and amplifying body language
Post-virtual meeting
Suggestions for reflection and feedback mechanisums
Key insights.
Subtlety
Users want to disclose their stutter without drawing undue attention.
Customizable
PWS have diverse needs and preferences for support.
Education
Raising awareness about stuttering should be a seamless part of the experience.
Empowerment
Features should empower PWS to communicate effectively, not attempt to “fix” their stutter.
Understand user.
“I have the perfect solution but hesitate to speak up in large meetings, fearing interruptions or misunderstandings.”
Katie (she/her)
Product Manager
Katie Product Manager
“I have the perfect solution but hesitate to speak up in large meetings, fearing interruptions or misunderstandings.”
Ideation
We integrated our solution into Zoom rather than building a standalone app for faster deployment and wider accessibility. Our design was validated through prototype testing with 5 users.
Tips for Audience
Goal
Reduce stress and increase audience awareness
Want
Allow customizable, selective sharing options
Constraint
Can’t design our own pop-up window in Zoom
A customizable background
Like
Eases the process of introductions in large groups which reduces stress
Worry
Stigmatization
Want
More professional
“My turn” button
Goal
Avoid unintentional interruption
Worry
Might be annoying to constantly turn on and off
Constraint
We can’t have a clickable button in individual frame
A “Raise Hand” with reason
Goal
Allow others to get your point efficiently
Worry
Communication delay due to typing.
Constraint
We can’t make change on Zoom’s Reaction emoji
A message only visible to you
Goal
Reduce stress/ bad feeling during meeting
Want
Be able to customize content, timing and position
Constraint
What is shown in the main screen can be visible to every participants
Layout iteration.
Try different layout and navigation bar design
Use dropdown as final decision
Hear hear
Here, here, join us here at Hear Hear.
Affirmative message
Positive reinforcement help users feel more at ease and confident in online interactions.
Name tag
Make self-introduction effortlessly
Raise hand function
Communicate intention efficiently
Water flow animation
Clear, non-verbal cues facilitate smoother turn-taking and expression
Disclosure message
Optional self-identification promotes understanding among participants. Educate others about diverse communication needs without awkward explanations.