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Voice-Assisted Technology for People With Parkinson's Disease Experiencing Speech and Voice Difficulties:
Jodie Mills1, George Kernohan2, Katy Pedlow1
1School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies
|February 4, 2026
Summary
Co-designing smart speaker solutions improved usability for people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD) and speech and language therapists (SaLTs). Prototypes offer guidance and new features to enhance speech therapy and patient independence.
Area of Science:
- * Health Technology and Accessibility
- * Human-Computer Interaction in Healthcare
- * Speech and Language Therapy Innovations
Background:
- * Smart speakers are emerging health technologies with reported usability challenges for people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD) and speech and language therapists (SaLTs).
- * PwPD experience frustration with voice recognition, device timeouts, and conversational limitations.
- * SaLTs face technical and practical hurdles, alongside knowledge gaps and privacy concerns regarding voice-assisted technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To co-design solutions addressing the challenges PwPD face when using smart speakers due to speech and voice impairments.
- * To improve the accessibility and effectiveness of smart speaker technology for individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
Main Methods:
- * A multistage design process based on the Design Thinking framework was employed.
- * Two online co-design workshops involved 20 participants, including PwPD, carers, SaLTs, and technology experts.
- * Conventional content analysis was used to refine prototypes based on brainstorming and ranking activities.
Main Results:
- * Two primary prototypes were developed: an education/guidance package and new speech and language therapy (SLT)-specific smart speaker features.
- * Participants reported feeling valued and contributed to improvement suggestions, aligning with public involvement standards.
- * Prototypes aim to address troubleshooting, privacy, and therapeutic usage considerations for PwPD and SaLTs.
Conclusions:
- * Co-designed smart speaker solutions can enhance accessibility, engagement, and long-term speech outcomes for PwPD.
- * These solutions offer scalable, cost-effective support for SLT services, promoting patient independence and self-management of speech difficulties.
- * The prototypes address health disparities and reduce pressure on SLT services, supporting rehabilitation within healthcare systems.
Keywords:
Parkinson's Diseaseco-designdysarthriaparticipatory methodsspeech and language therapyspeech and voicevoice-assisted technologyMore Related Videos
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