- UIKA, which is the name of the application in the Nahuatl language and means "accompany", is a tool for mobile devices. Its objective is to reduce the user's dependence in the workplace.
Indra and the Computing Faculty (Escom) of the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) in Mexico City have developed UIKA (the Nahuatl word for "accompany", Nahuatl being one of the original languages spoken in Mexico), a task monitoring and management application for mobile devices targeted at people with intellectual disability.
UIKA is designed for people with cognitive functional diversity, autism spectrum disorder, Asperger's syndrome and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), although anyone with a liking for task sequencing and positive reinforcement can benefit from the research. Consequently, the limitations regarding the use of the tool under development should be established by the task managers themselves.
UIKA has been developed using a web tool that allows an administrator – usually the person to whom the user reports - to create, organize and sequence tasks. The user has easy access at all times to his or her list of programmed activities, can view a description of each one, and mark them as completed after carrying them out. The application can also send alarm signals to the worker, either indicating that it is time to rest or that he or she is behind schedule with one of the tasks.
There is also a document and video repository which the professional can view whenever necessary (e.g. if he or she needs to see a plan of the workplace or check the corporate code of ethics). The application interface can be adapted to the specific needs of the user. Assisted by the manager, the user can customize the interface in order to identify with it and feel confident using it.
At the end of the work day, the application generates a report on the tasks completed and a screen appears with emojis (emoticons that represent facial expressions) so that the user can give feedback on how he or she has felt while completing the tasks: exhausted, hurried, happy or anxious.
Related links