A model-based approach to the specification of computer-based communication aids.

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Non-vocal individuals require specialized communication aids.
• Existing systems may lack flexibility and user-specific functionality.
• Designing effective assistive technology necessitates a user-centered approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a strategy for designing a highly flexible, expressive communication aid for the non-vocal.
• To explore the implications of adopting intuitive system configurations.
• To establish criteria for system design and evaluation through process modeling.

Main Methods:

• Development of a communication aid strategy based on user-specifiable function.
• Examination of practical implications of common system configurations.
• Utilizing process, mechanism, or function modeling for design and assessment.

Main Results:

• A flexible communication aid design strategy is presented.
• Implications of common system configurations were analyzed.
• Process modeling proved central to defining design and evaluation criteria.

Conclusions:

• Modeling provides a unified framework for designing and evaluating communication aids.
• User-specifiable function is key to creating flexible and expressive assistive technology.
• The described strategy facilitates the development of applicable and effective communication solutions.