Study suggests smart assistant design improvements for deaf users
College of Information Sciences and Technology researchers recently found that deaf and hard-of-hearing users regularly use smart assistants in homes, workplaces and mobile devices.
Image: Adobe Stock: New Africa
Study suggests smart assistant design improvements for deaf users
Jessica Hallman
January 07, 2021
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. Despite the inherent challenges that voice-interaction may create, researchers at the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology recently found that deaf and hard-of-hearing users regularly use smart assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri in homes, workplaces and mobile devices.
The work highlights a clear need for more inclusive design, and presents an opportunity for deaf and hard-of-hearing users to have a more active role in the research and development of new systems, according to Johnna Blair, an IST doctoral student and member of the research team.
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Image: Adobe Stock: Giovanni Cancemi
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