Three digital prototypes supporting people with autism were tested in real working environments – with promising results.
In October and November 2025, the final workplace study of the AutARK research project took place, officially concluding at the beginning of December. At three equipped workstations at SZF CoWerk and SRH Berufsbildungswerk Dresden, participants were able to thoroughly test innovative assistive technologies in their daily work routine for one month. The aim was to evaluate the prototypes developed within the project under real conditions and to determine their practical benefits.
Three Prototypes in Practical Testing
The study comprised three different assistive systems: SmartANC, an intelligent headphone system for noise filtering that reduces disruptive ambient noise whilst important social interactions can still be perceived through recognition of activation phrases. AgendaHub, a digital calendar for structuring the working day that centrally consolidates appointments and tasks from various sources and displays them clearly. As well as MailSupport, a tool for assistance in understanding and responding to complex emails, which is particularly helpful with indirect language and ambiguous formulations.
Structured Evaluation Procedure
The study design was comprehensively structured: A preliminary survey captured the individual needs and expectations of the participants. During the four-week testing phase, regular interim feedback and daily online questionnaires enabled assessment of usage behaviour and allowed for quick responses to potential obstacles. A final survey evaluated the usefulness of the tools in everyday work.
Initial Promising Findings
Feedback on SmartANC was particularly positive: One participant used the system daily and reported that the rain sounds were very relaxing and enabled concentrated work without acoustic distraction. After just three hours, colleagues had recognised the pattern of activation phrases and accepted the technology.
AgendaHub proved helpful in visualising appointments and reduced the anxiety of missing something. The categorisation of tasks was evaluated as useful, with the desire for individually customisable categories being expressed.
MailSupport demonstrated potential in filtering content from lengthy emails, whilst functionality with short messages still requires optimisation.
Data Protection in Focus
All three prototypes were developed with particular attention to data protection: Processing takes place exclusively locally, without permanent storage or transmission of sensitive data via the internet.
The results of the study form an important foundation for the further development of digital assistive systems in the workplace.