Ryn Rangel

Crafting a welcoming atmosphere that engages, informs, and leaves a lasting impression.

While ALOUD events showcase cultural programming and aim to create an immersive experience, attendees often encounter challenges when it comes to event logistics, engagement during the event, and connecting with the experience afterward.

Having volunteers present to guide and assist at events can positively impact guests' event experiences, turning moments of uncertainty into moments of connection, while also strengthening the connection between the Library Foundation of Los Angeles and its community.

By recruiting passionate volunteers who embody the welcoming spirit of ALOUD—ready to engage, guide, and inspire—our goal was to enhance the attendee experience ultimately creating an event with a lasting impression. We envisioned an experience where volunteers are more than support—they're ambassadors of the event's mission.

In collaboration with BMW DesignWorks, Echo reimagines the autonomous rideshare experience through inclusive, multimodal communication, centered on the needs of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) users. The project challenges conventional vehicle interfaces by replacing sound-based alerts with a layered system of visual, tactile, and digital cues that make navigation intuitive and accessible to all riders. From onboarding to drop-off, Echo delivers information through haptic seat feedback, soft LED lighting, closed captions, and an accessible in-car display. These interactions help users identify their vehicle, stay aware of route changes, and receive safety updates, all without relying on audio. Echo doesn’t just aim to meet accessibility needs—it reframes them as an opportunity for innovation. By prioritizing clarity and autonomy, Echo sets a new standard for inclusive ride design, where everyone can ride with confidence.

In our project, we recognize that approximately 30% of Americans live with a disability, including 15% of adults who experience some level of hearing loss. This includes around 37.5 million individuals, 6% of whom are severely hearing-impaired or completely deaf. Current ride services often overlook the unique needs of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users, in part because deafness is an invisible disability—a condition that may not be immediately noticeable to others, but still deeply impacts a person’s daily life and how they navigate the world. This can lead to a lack of awareness and understanding of their unique needs, which profoundly affects their daily lives and transportation experiences. We asked ourselves how we might help Deaf & Hard of Hearing (DHH) users feel empowered, included, and supported throughout their ride experiences. Through our investigation, we identified key barriers such as communication challenges, diminished independence, and limited awareness that hinder these users from enjoying seamless rides. While our design team explored emerging innovative technologies that could be applied in a more car-centric way, we realized the need to go back to the drawing board. We aimed to find a way to merge what currently exists and is immediately feasible with what could be possible in the next five years.

To better understand what a DHH rider might experience, we took a Waymo ride while wearing high-grade earplugs and noise-canceling headphones. It quickly became clear how easy it was to miss updates about the route or even realize we had arrived. That disconnect helped us pinpoint when and where visual or haptic cues were most needed. We also spoke directly with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, who emphasized just how important visual signals, haptic feedback, and live transcriptions are. One participant imagined a system where different colored lights could signal different alerts. Another hoped for options like captions or a sign language interpreter, something that would offer real choice in how to communicate. Our conversation with the SMC Center for Students with Disabilities added even more insight. They introduced us to existing tools like TTY (text-to-talk), VRS (video relay service), and universal captioning practices. These tools already support communication in other settings, but we learned they’re rarely integrated into consumer tech, especially in rideshare experiences. Initially, we designed our app for mobile, but users told us they preferred to keep their phones free during rides. So we adapted, creating additional interfaces for in-vehicle tablets. That shift helped us build a more seamless experience, from waiting at the curb to arriving at the destination.

Echo reimagines the autonomous ride experience with accessibility at its core. Designed especially with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) riders in mind, it layers visual cues, haptic feedback, and flexible communication to help every rider feel confident and in control. From the start, users set their ride preferences, like visual or haptic alerts, communication styles, and emergency contacts so the experience is tailored before they even step into the vehicle. Inside the car, soft LED lights built into the interior shift colors to signal key ride moments: green when the ride begins and ends, blue while in motion, a fading white on the side when turning, and amber for emergencies or unexpected route changes. Paired with gentle vibrations in the seat, these cues make sure no important update is missed. A mounted tablet screen displays clear, real-time updates, like turn-by-turn directions and trip progress, without needing to rely on audio. When the vehicle arrives at the destination, riders can review the drop-off location and choose when to end the ride. For additional support, Echo connects riders to a live ASL interpreter through video relay service (VRS) and offers real-time transcription for accessible, two-way communication at any point during the ride. By combining personalized onboarding, multi-sensory feedback, and communication support, Echo delivers a more inclusive ride experience, designed with DHH users in mind, but beneficial to everyone.