Effects of icon size and location on speed and accuracy of SGD access

Abstract

Increasing speed and accuracy of communication via a speech-generating device (SGD) is an important clinical goal in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The current study, conducted with adults without disabilities using a within-subject experimental design, compared the effects of two different SGD trainings on speed and accuracy of locating words via an SGD interface. During size-centered training, participants were introduced to six large icons that completely filled an SGD screen. During location-centered training, participants were introduced to six small icons on a 40-location screen where other icons were hidden. After the training, participants were asked to find the trained items on a 40-location screen with all 40 icons visible. Accuracy and speed of response were analyzed, and the study found that participants located targets faster and more accurately following location-centered training vs. following size-centered training. If similar effects are found with individuals with complex communication needs, clinicians should consider implementing SGD grid designs that facilitate location-centered learning.

Keywords:

• Display design
• procedural memory
• augmentative and alternative communication

Notes

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank research assistants Carolina Reyes, Moises Meneses, and Kemi Siobal.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the writing and content of this article.

Notes

1 Avaz™ is an AAC app available from Avaz Inc^© (www.avazapp.com).

2 The iPad^® is a product of Apple Computers, Cupertino, CA (www.apple.com).

3 Alexicom™ is an AAC app available from AlexicomTech^©, Phoenix, AZ (www.alexicomaac.strikingly.com).

4 Symbolstix^® is an image library produced by Crick Software, Westport, CT (http://www.cricksoft.com/us/products/symbols/symbolstix.aspx).