A designer has come up with a creative way to help people with autism, who sometimes find it difficult to order at restaurants when faced with an overwhelming menu or system.
Tadelayo Sodipe, 24, is an art and design graduate currently working as a teaching assistant and residential support worker, while also working out freelance designs in his spare time.
He found that the children he works with, who have autism, often find it difficult in restaurants like Nando's - where such a wealth of choice might be heaven to some people, can be a distressing experience for others.
Sodipe told LADbible: "I work closely with kids with autism providing educational support and assisting with day to day activities, all while helping these young adults develop into capable members of society.
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"My idea was born from seeing children I work with struggle while ordering at certain restaurants (Nando's being one of them). I found that the kids couldn't really visualise what it is they are ordering because of the amount of information displayed on the menus.
"I also noticed that when it came to relaying the intended order, the social interaction between a child with autism and a staff member is proved to be even more challenging."
In a bid to simplify the process, Sodipe mocked up a menu design using QR (Quick Response) codes, where users can scan the code to access further information, should they want to.
The technology is being increasingly adopted by restaurants and bars as a response to the coronavirus pandemic, in a bid to limit physical contact between staff and customers. However, Sodipe argues the same premise could also work wonders for those with autism or forms of social disorders.
Sodipe continued: "My Nando's QR Code Menu simplifies the menu and strips it down to the important information making it more autism-friendly.
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"By adding pictures it creates an opportunity for the imagination of kids to picture what they are going to order. This promotes independence and decision-making skills that are essential for a child's development.
"The QR codes are used to place the order. Once scanned by a device or phone it will open a Nando's page where the customer has the option whether to pay online or pay at the tills. The order will appear at the tills and the order will be placed.
"This part is important because customers that may find it hard to communicate will no longer need to, they would just have to click/tap and they order is being prepared."
Sodipe shared his idea online, tagging Nando's in a tweet that said: "I work with children with autism and they sometimes find it hard to order at your restaurants. I designed a QR code menu that could possibly help make things a bit easier for them! Let me know what you think."
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As the tweet went viral, racking up 13,000 likes and more than 5,000 retweets,it caught the attention of several large restaurant chains including Nando's and Vapiano - both of which responded positively.
"The response was amazing!" Sodipe said.
"Everyone seen my vision and understood how important it is for everyone to be included! I have been getting so many messages saying it is really something that their little brother or sister can use, or people that struggle with confidence/anxiety could see themselves using this ordering method.
"I was even contacted by Vapiano and asked how they can they improve their ordering style!
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"I really loved the support and togetherness people have shown, even in this current climate people are ready to show love to something outside of the norm."
Due to social distancing guidelines, Nando's is currently operating a pay-at-table app system in restaurants so that customers are able to order their Nando's digitally using their phone.
Vapiano also said in a tweet that it has 'QR codes on entrance for our menu' but was open to learning 'what more can be done'.
LADbible has contacted Nando's and Vapiano for further comment.
Topics: Daily Ladness, Technology, Community