Alongside my Master’s project, I have recently completed an internship where I met a data scientist named Ryan. Ryan works with artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in the creative industries, including using AI agents to collect and organise data.

After discussing my project with him, I realised that his technical knowledge could support an area of research I was finding difficult to investigate independently. In return, I offered some of my graphic design skills. We therefore arranged a skills exchange, combining my design experience with his knowledge of data collection and AI technologies.

The Data I Needed

I shared three research questions with Ryan:

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 are important because they explore three different areas of the project: the potential scale of the audience, the possibility of developing the project beyond the university, and the barriers that should inform any future design response.

The first question may be particularly difficult because autistic adults are not always identified separately within tourism and aviation statistics. However, even a lack of available data could become a useful finding, as it may demonstrate how underrepresented autistic adults are within travel research.

Reflection

This collaboration has shown me the value of working across different disciplines. As a graphic designer, I can develop ideas, visual systems and accessible communication, but working with someone who understands data science may help me gather and interpret information more effectively.

It has also allowed me to apply skills developed during my internship in ways that directly support my academic project. Rather than treating design and data as separate areas, this exchange demonstrates how they can work together within a human-centred research process.

I am now waiting for Ryan to return with his findings. I am hopeful that the data will yield useful and interesting insights, particularly regarding airport barriers and the potential development of an accessibility-focused app. The findings may help me validate the project's direction and identify which areas require further research.