Application of Personas in the Design of Augmentative Alternative Communication Devices

Abstract

Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) aids are devices that help individuals with speech impairments communicate. Currently, the design and development of AAC devices does not follow a usercentered design philosophy. This affects the quality of life of individuals who are in need of AAC devices. Individuals with the progressive disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are a population for which AAC is of critical importance. Due to the ALS individuals’ physical capabilities and constraints, there are challenges in involving the user population in a user-centered design process. This paper recommends the application of the methodology of persona development derived from the field of interaction design/usercentered design to solve some of the existing problems in the design of AAC devices for this population. This research demonstrates how current user-centered design methodologies can be adapted to develop personas of individuals with ALS and more generally, how user-centered design should be integrated into the design of AAC devices to enhance the quality of life of individuals with communication impairments.