Animation in AAC: Previous research, a sample of current availability in the United States, and future research potential

ABSTRACT

Animation has been studied in the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) literature regarding increasing transparency of symbols and decreasing operational demands of the interface design. This study investigated a sample of AAC devices to determine the presence and purpose of animation in the systems. We found that the majority of the animation found on AAC devices serve the function of providing feedback to the user. Future exploration of the use of animation in AAC through capitalizing on previous research, new technology, and as a method to foster linguistic and operational competence are considered. Clinical and research implications of these findings are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• animation
• augmentative and alternative communication
• children
• dynamic displays
• interface design

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the regional representatives at the device companies who generously allowed the researchers access to the AAC devices in order to complete this study. These individuals include Megan Rowles from Tobii-Dynavox, Jennifer Monahan from PRC, Abbey Warner from Talk to me Now Technologies, Cecilia Marietti from Saltillo, and Ben Tucker from Forbes Rehab Services.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

¹ The iPad is a product of Apple Computers Inc., Cupertino, CA, www.apple.com.

² The Snap Core First language system is a product of Tobii-Dynavox and is available on Windows and iPad platforms. https://www.mytobiidynavox.com/Store/SnapCoreFirst.

³ The WordPower language system is a product of PRC-Saltillo company of Wooster, OH, https://www.prentrom.com/prc_advantage/wordpower-language-system.

⁴ The MultiChat 15 language system is a product of Saltillo company of Millersburg, OH, https://saltillo.com/products/option/multichat-15-for-nova-chat.

⁵ The Accent is a product of the PRC-Saltillo company of Wooster, OH, https://store.prentrom.com/accent-1000.

⁶ The Engage program is a product of PRC-Saltillo company of Wooster, OH. https://www.prentrom.com/articles/introducing-engage?mode=view.

⁷ The Learn to Scan is a product of Tobii-Dynavox. https://us.tobiidynavox.com/collections/apps-software.