User Requirement Analysis for Smart Voice Technology for Older Adults with Visual Impairments

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although many users adopt voice-enabled technology today, there is lack of understanding on voice technology designs suitable for older adults with visual impairments. This study aims at investigating the auditory information processing capability of older adults with visual impairments and their preferences for voice user interfaces and interactions. A convenience sampling method recruited 20 older adults with visual impairments. The auditory information processing capability was measured with a word memory span task, and the Wizard-of-Oz method helped to explore user requirements for voice technology. The word memory span was 3.00 ± 0.34, which leads to the recommendation that information architectures include no greater than three layers of horizontal or vertical menu structures. The majority of the participants (75%) preferred the combination of inbound and outbound calls to interact with the system, and 65% appreciated the interactive, structured navigation menu user interfaces that empower the user to control the system. The study contributes to user-friendly voice technology for older adults with visual impairments.