Project Convey
Cox Communications
Overview
Every day, millions of people connect through video chat. But for people on the spectrum, this connection is impossible, because many can’t read non-verbal cues, like facial expressions, which are key to connecting on a deeper level.
In response, Cox and 180LA created Project Convey, a video chat prototype that helps people on the spectrum connect better with the person on the other side of the screen.
The Challenge
Over the past couple of years, video calls have played an integral role in how people connect with one another. Every day, millions of people use Cox Internet to connect through video chat. But for individuals on the autism spectrum, it can be difficult to interpret emotions, making connecting with people in this context nearly impossible.
The Solution
To combat this issue, Cox and 180LA created Project Convey, a video chat prototype that helps people on the autism spectrum to easily interpret emotions. Made in collaboration with a doctor as well as individuals on the spectrum, Project Convey analyzes facial expressions, words being spoken, and tone of voice and then translates the information in real time into an animated emoji which indicates the emotion being expressed by the person on the other side of the video call.
The Results
We see this as just the beginning. Our goal was to show that it’s possible to make video chat inclusive for individuals on the spectrum. Our hope is that one day every video chat platform out there will have a tool like this or be inspired to create one.”
Rachel Negretti
Director of Brand Strategy & New Media, Cox
