Exploring high-technology augmentative and alternative communication interfaces: the effect of age and technology...

Area of Science:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Many individuals with aphasia struggle with functional communication due to inadequate language skills, highlighting the need for effective AAC interfaces.
• Advancements in technology have led to numerous high-tech AAC designs, but concerns exist regarding older adults' adoption, especially those with limited technology experience.
• Understanding the comparative utility of different AAC interfaces across diverse populations is crucial for successful implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the utility of grid and visual scene display (VSD) interfaces with single-word hotspots in neurologically healthy adults of varying ages and technology experiences.
• To lay the groundwork for future studies investigating these AAC interfaces with individuals who have aphasia.
• To assess the impact of age and technology experience on the performance with different AAC interfaces.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 18 young adults and 54 older adults (24 with technology experience, 20 with limited experience), matched for age and sex.
• Participants described pictures using both a grid interface and a VSD interface with single-word hotspots.
• Performance was evaluated based on the total number of correct information units (CIUs), percentage of CIUs, CIUs per minute, and preferred interface.

Main Results:

• Older adults demonstrated significantly lower performance in total CIUs and CIUs per minute compared to young adults (p < 0.001).
• No significant differences in performance were observed between older adults with varying levels of technology experience.
• There were no significant performance differences between the grid and VSD interfaces across any participant group.

Conclusions:

• Age is a significant factor influencing performance with AAC interfaces, whereas technology experience does not appear to be a barrier for older adults.
• Both grid and VSD interfaces demonstrated equal effectiveness for healthy adults when describing pictures.
• User preference should be a key consideration when selecting AAC interface designs, as performance was comparable between the tested interfaces.