Refining Participatory Design for AAC Users

TL;DR

This paper explores refining participatory design methods to better include AAC users in designing high-tech communication tools, aiming to improve accessibility and user involvement.

Contribution

It introduces a two-part design process tailored for AAC users and discusses plans to enhance its accessibility based on user feedback.

Findings

Initial feedback indicates need for accessible modifications

Proposed process aims to increase AAC user involvement

Plans to iteratively refine design methods

Abstract

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a field of research and practice that works with people who have a communication disability. One form AAC can take is a high-tech tool, such as a software-based communication system. Like all user interfaces, these systems must be designed and it is critical to include AAC users in the design process for their systems. A participatory design approach can include AAC users in the design process, but modifications may be necessary to make these methods more accessible. We present a two-part design process we are investigating for improving the participatory design for high-tech AAC systems. We discuss our plans to refine the accessibility of this process based on participant feedback.