Project Info

Through extensive research into autism education and visual communication for neurodivergent children, we learned that many autistic children present with neutral facial expressions, overly bold colours or excessive animation can be overwhelming, and respresentation of autistic children needs to feel relatable, not exaggerated. 

The programme had to feel educational yet playful, inclusive yet specific, and gentle without being dull. Most importantly, it had to work in real classrooms with real children. 

Brand Identity
We started by creating a sub-brand identity for What’s Up with Ali? that could live alongside the main Sensory Kids brand. We carried key brand devices and shapes through to ensure consistency, but built on this to create a distinctive world for Ali to live in. 

A full brand system was created, with typography inspired by Dr. Suess to bring a playful approach that would resonate with the primary school children. Along with this, a carefully selected colour palette ensured the colours used were unique, but not overwhelming for children with sensory issues. Many hand-illustrated elements were used throughout to maintain warmth and create a brand world that feels welcoming, fun and safe. 

Introducing… Ali
To bring the What’s Up with Ali? Story to life, we created Ali. A calm, friendly, hand-illustrated classmate who could guide children through stories, lessons and conversations about autism. 

Ali was carefully designed through research into how autistic children should be visually respresented, with neutral facial expressions to allow for subtle animation, a Sensory Kids school uniform and a simple, culturally neutral appearance to ensure Ali feels like she belongs in every classroom. 

Ali lives in a fully illustrated world, designed to support the learning materials and create an engaging experience for children. Soft shapes, controlled details, bright colours that are never too bold, and a consistent illustration style across all touchpoints supports the storytelling behind Ali’s world while remaining calm enough for sensory-sensitive children. 

E-Learning Platform
To bring the programme to life in the classroom, we designed a bespoke e-learning platform built specifically for What’s Up with Ali? 

This included a custom-built platform that is fully animated to bring Ali to life using code, along with structured storytelling to guide children through concepts at an age-appropriate pace. Physical worksheets were designed to work alongside the digital learning experience to ensure children stayed engaged through a tangible classroom tool. 

Bringing Ali to life
To bring the programme to life, we also designed physical touchpoints for schools such as stickers for participating pupils and glass window vinyls to show which classes have completed the programme, allowing them to reinforce positive messaging around inclusion long after the programme has ended. 

Ali has also come to life physically in schools, with the create of a physical Ali doll who is becoming a familiar, trusted presence for children. 

What’s Up with Ali? has launched in schools across Northern Ireland, with support from the Education Minister and other key stakeholders, and we’re proud to have brought Ali’s story to life.