Open AccessEcological Design of an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Device Interface
Author(s) -
K. Shea,
Olivier St-Cyr,
Tom Chau
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of cognitive engineering and decision making
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.511
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 2169-5032
pISSN - 1555-3434
DOI - 10.1177/15553434211029530
Subject(s) - augmentative and alternative communication , computer science , human–computer interaction , interface (matter) , augmentative , process (computing) , domain (mathematical analysis) , user interface , workload , workspace , psychology , artificial intelligence , mathematical analysis , linguistics , philosophy , mathematics , bubble , maximum bubble pressure method , psychiatry , parallel computing , operating system , robot
Autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, brain stem stroke, and neurological injury are examples of conditions that may limit vocal communication. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems can provide a communication pathway to users who experience such complex communication needs, facilitating their societal participation and supporting some ability to direct their own care. We adapted the cognitive work analysis (CWA) framework to a linguistic domain for insights into an AAC design that best supports users’ communication. First, we applied the work domain analysis (WDA) to a popular commercial AAC system, Proloquo2Go. Data were gathered from guided AAC system use, domain experts, and the syntactic rules of the English language. The WDA exposed unmet needs in the commercial system. We then applied worker competency analysis to consider different approaches to present information and support user actions. The design included graphic forms and process views, and their integration into viewports and the workspace. Our novel application of CWA uncovered new considerations in AAC interface design and presents a nascent area of investigation, namely, AAC displays that more effectively support users’ goals. Future investigation will evaluate the mental workload of this AAC interface compared to that of current commercially available systems.