Towards the development of interfaces for students with speech disorder and motor impairments

Abstract

In a complex case of speech disorder, the communication is entrusted to systems equipped with a speech synthesizer. When the user has a motor disability, in addition, hardware and software interfaces are personalized to make technology more accessible. Interaction design methods can be applied to develop improved assistive systems and, particularly, for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Interaction design methods and usability evaluation could have a positive impact in reducing product barriers and improving performances as the effort state associated to its use can be reduced. Minimizing cognitive and physical efforts through the development of new solutions and interface optimization can be challenging. A usability test and an interface optimization of a personalized AAC system developed for a student of the University of Naples Federico II with complex communication needs due to a traumatic injury and motor impairment are discussed to fix usability issues, highlight critical areas and design new prototypes.