SARAH   YOO

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Speak With Pictures

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A Human-Centered PECS Communication System

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I am a high school senior and the sister of a non-verbal brother with severe autism.

Growing up alongside him, communication was one of the greatest challenges in our family.

I often watched him struggle to express his needs, while I struggled to understand what he was trying to communicate.

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When my brother was younger, he participated in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, where he regularly used PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) cards.

Seeing how picture cards enabled him to communicate basic needs was powerful—but as our family tried different digital PECS applications, we encountered recurring obstacles that limited their usefulness.

Many PECS apps we tried required creating accounts and entering personal information, adding unnecessary friction for families. Others were extremely expensive—sometimes costing up to $300—making them inaccessible.

Some apps also failed to clearly show what each image represented, requiring interpretation by a caregiver, or did not provide insight into which words were being used most frequently.

These challenges led me to imagine a PECS app that was simpler, more intuitive, sensory-friendly, affordable, and engaging.

That idea became the foundation of Speak With Pictures.

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Project Overview & Design Intent

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Speak With Pictures is a PECS-based AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) app designed to support clear, accessible, and meaningful communication.

AAC refers to tools that support or replace spoken language for individuals who have difficulty communicating verbally, often through pictures, symbols, or technology-based systems.

PECS specifically relies on exchanging picture cards to communicate needs, wants, and emotions.

Rather than focusing on adding excessive features, my design goal was to remove barriers—reducing cognitive load, minimizing sensory overwhelm, and making communication tools approachable for both users and families.

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My Role & UI/UX Design Process

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I was responsible for the entire UI/UX design of the Speak With Pictures app, using Figma, Adobe Photoshop, and Procreate. I led the visual system, user flow design, and creation of every picture card and interface element.

Each visual element was carefully refined to create a clear, warm, and engaging user experience. I paid close attention to layout hierarchy, spacing, color contrast, and icon clarity to ensure that images were immediately recognizable and emotionally neutral—supporting independent use, especially for users with sensory sensitivities.

Vocabulary selection was also intentional.

The app originally launched with 184 picture cards, later expanded to 204 cards, and continues to grow. New cards are added whenever new ideas arise, and future updates will include an even broader visual vocabulary.

Instead of overwhelming users with too many options at once, the system emphasizes essential, high-frequency words to support intuitive communication.

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Features & Development Status

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The app was developed over the course of several months and is currently available for both iPhone and iPad. The initial release focuses on core communication functionality.

Several features—including a reward screen with growing fish, a usage statistics dashboard, a “Most Used” category for quick access, and a settings page—were part of the original full vision. While some of these features are still in development, they are planned for inclusion in future updates as the app continues to evolve.

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Collaboration & Technical Implementation

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While I led the creative direction and design, Speak With Pictures was developed through a collaborative workflow. My father supported the technical implementation by assisting with coding and system integration, allowing my designs to be translated into a working digital product. This collaboration mirrored a real-world product development process between designers and engineers.

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Technical overview:

• Framework: React Native

• Language: TypeScript

• AI-assisted development: Claude, Figma MCP

• Target platform: iOS (iPhone and iPad)

 

Website & Physical Card Integration

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In addition to the app, I created the SpeakWithPictures.org website using Wix.

Both the app and the website feature the same PECS cards to maintain consistency across platforms.

For families who are less familiar with mobile devices, or who prefer physical tools, all cards are available in a printable format. Users can print the cards, laminate them, and attach Velcro to create physical PECS cards for everyday use.

This allows children to practice communication both digitally and physically, reinforcing learning across environments.

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Accessibility & Impact

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Now available for free, Speak With Pictures aims to reduce barriers and provide meaningful support to families of individuals with autism around the world.

By eliminating high costs, login requirements, and unclear visuals, the project prioritizes accessibility, dignity, and ease of use.

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Future Vision

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This project is designed as an expandable communication system, not a one-time app.

In the future, I hope to:

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• Continue expanding the PECS card library

• Complete and refine all planned app features

• Develop versions tailored for deaf or hard-of-hearing adults, high-functioning autistic users, and low-functioning users with a more minimal vocabulary set

• Expand the website to include educational resources and guidance for families

 

I also plan to adapt this visual language into educational baby word card applications, applying the same minimalist and intuitive design principles.

Ultimately, my goal is to grow Speak With Pictures into a family of tools for people who find pictures more comfortable than words.

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Recognition & Reflection

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Speak With Pictures was recognized as a 2026 YoungArts National Winner in Design, acknowledging its human-centered approach, accessibility, and social impact.

This project taught me about design, empathy, problem-solving, collaboration, and persistence. More than an app, it represents my belief that thoughtful design—rooted in lived experience—can make communication more inclusive, meaningful, and human.

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- The current App Store version represents an early prototype and does not yet include all planned features. The app is actively being refined and expanded through ongoing development.