Exploration of Voice User Interfaces for Older Adults - A Pilot Study to Address Progressive Vision Loss

TL;DR

This study explores how Voice User Interfaces can serve as assistive tools for older adults experiencing progressive vision loss, highlighting their potential to improve ICT accessibility for this demographic.

Contribution

It presents an exploratory pilot study focusing on the needs of older adults with vision decline and investigates VUIs as accessible assistive technologies.

Findings

VUIs show promise in aiding visually impaired older adults

Participants expressed positive attitudes towards VUI usability

The study identifies specific needs and challenges for VUI adoption in this group

Abstract

Voice User Interfaces (VUIs) owing to recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP), are becoming increasingly intuitive and functional. They are especially promising for older adults, also with special needs, as VUIs remove some barriers related to access to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions. In this pilot study we examine interdisciplinary opportunities in the area of VUIs as assistive technologies, based on an exploratory study with older adults, and a follow-up in-depth pilot study with two participants regarding the needs of people who are gradually losing their sight at a later age.