Talking Mats

A visual communication framework that uses a textured mat and sets of picture symbols to help people express their views on topics that matter to them. Developed at the University of Stirling, Talking Mats provides a structured way for people who find it difficult to communicate verbally — including people with intellectual disabilities, dementia, aphasia, or complex communication needs — to indicate their feelings about specific topics by placing picture cards along a visual scale (e.g. happy, unsure, unhappy). In accessibility research, Talking Mats is used as a co-design and evaluation tool that reduces reliance on speech and literacy, enabling more equitable participation in design processes and user studies.