Human Factors Considerations in the Design of Language Interfaces in AAC

Abstract

The design and development of new augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and techniques must often include a focus on the presentation, selection, and processing of language items. We define this as the language interface and argue that researchers must take into account the broad base of knowledge available from the fields of human factors and human–computer interaction in the design process. This article will present an overview of these fields and discuss design principles that are relevant to AAC language interfaces. These principles will be discussed with respect to a number of currently available techniques. In addition, design case studies will be presented on some techniques currently under investigation. Finally, issues related to evaluation will be discussed.

Key Words:

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Human factors
• Language
• Rate enhancement