After completing further mind mapping, I began to think more clearly about what I want this project to achieve and why the subject is personally important to me.

My interest in autistic travel barriers partly comes from my own experience of travelling with and supporting my sister. Through this, I have seen how airports can involve much more than simply checking in and boarding a flight. Waiting, unfamiliar food, crowds, security procedures, changing transport, sensory overload and limited quiet spaces can all affect the experience.

The mind-mapping process helped me recognise that my project may not need to address the whole international travel journey. Instead, I could focus on one particularly demanding environment: the airport, with airport security emerging as a possible pressure point.

Initial Reflections

When I mapped the different barriers together, they reflected the idea of a “spider web of things.”

The experience is not always made difficult by one isolated problem. Several pressures may happen at the same time. But what stood out most strongly was the issue of awareness and understanding. Even where support exists, it may not be clearly communicated or consistently understood, especially when travelling through unfamiliar airports or different countries.

Airport Security

Airport security combines many of the barriers identified through my research.

Travellers may need to follow instructions quickly, remove specific items, move through crowded queues, and respond to staff in a noisy and unfamiliar environment.

The body scanner may also create uncertainty if someone does not know:

• where to stand
• how to position their body
• How long will the process take
• What happens if the scanner identifies something
• whether physical contact may follow

This made me consider whether simple visual preparation could reduce some of the uncertainty surrounding the process. For example, an illustrated sequence could show how to move through security and how to position the body inside the scanner. A memorable rhythm or movement sequence could make the information easier to remember in a high-pressure moment.

A discreet way to request support

Another idea emerging from the mind map was a support system inspired by schemes such as Ask for Angela. An autistic traveller or carer may find it difficult to explain the full situation when they are already overwhelmed. A recognised word, phrase, symbol, or digital request could discreetly signal to trained staff that additional support is required.

This might communicate a simple message such as: I need more time, clearer instructions or a quieter form of support.

This idea would need further research into privacy, dignity, staff training and whether autistic adults would feel comfortable using it.

Realistic journey information

Standard airport guidance often assumes that travellers move through each stage at approximately the same pace.

However, some autistic travellers may need:

• more processing time
• regular breaks
• quieter routes
• preparation before security
• recovery time after demanding stages
• additional time for unexpected changes

This made me question whether travel guidance could provide more realistic timing based on individual needs. For example, a journey that may take one person three hours could take another longer because breaks and recovery are necessary to make the journey accessible.

An app and awareness system

I am considering whether the project could evolve into an app or digital platform integrated with a broader airport-awareness campaign. Possible features could include:

• airport-specific accessibility information
• visual security instructions
• realistic timing guidance
• quiet-space information
• wayfinding support
• frequently asked questions
• a personalised support profile
• a discreet way to request assistance
• QR codes are placed within the airport

The app could connect digital preparation with physical airport communication. For example, signage could provide basic information while a QR code gives access to more detailed guidance. However, the app is currently an emerging idea rather than a confirmed outcome. I still need to establish whether an app is the most appropriate and accessible format.

Human-Centred Design

A central principle of the project is human-centred design. Autistic adults have different sensory experiences, communication preferences and levels of support. The project should therefore avoid suggesting that one fixed solution will work for everyone.

A possible guiding idea is:

Different support for different levels of need.

Considering the Audience

The project may involve three connected audiences:

• autistic adults
• carers or travel companions
• airport staff

The autistic traveller should remain at the centre of the project. However, the design may also need to help carers and staff understand what support is required and how to respond appropriately.

This suggests that the project may focus on improving communication between these groups rather than designing only for one audience.

Connections to My Research

This direction connects closely with my previous research into:

• sensory experience
• predictability and control
• accessible tourism
• difficulty communicating during overwhelm
• The role of other people in turning an experience on or off

It also supports my current working question:

How might design reduce barriers preventing autistic adults from accessing transformative independent travel?

The airport could become the specific environment through which I explore this wider question.

Current Research Questions

The next stage of the project will investigate:

1. How many autistic adults travel internationally each year?
2. What UK funding is available to develop an autism-focused travel-accessibility app?
3. What are the main barriers autistic adults face in airports?

These questions will help me understand the scale of the issue, identify the strongest barrier and assess whether the app idea could be developed beyond the university project.