Refining Participatory Design for AAC Users

2025-06-24

AI Summary

Current assistive and augmentative communication (AAC) system design suffers from insufficient user involvement and low process accessibility, particularly for individuals with communication disabilities. Method: This study proposes a two-stage participatory design methodology specifically tailored for AAC users. It integrates closed-loop user feedback, accessibility-specific evaluation, and iterative human–computer interaction (HCI) design techniques—focusing on optimizing task structure, interaction modalities, and collaborative mechanisms to align with users’ cognitive, perceptual, and motor capabilities. Contribution/Results: The work introduces the first AAC-dedicated participatory framework that balances structural rigor with methodological flexibility. Empirical validation confirms its feasibility and demonstrates significant improvements in depth of user engagement, expressive efficacy, and influence of user input on design decisions. This approach advances inclusive HCI by delivering a reusable methodological foundation and actionable implementation pathway for equitable, user-centered AAC development.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: AI for Accessibility
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Affective Computing
• Multiagent Systems: Agent Communication

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experience
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Assisted, interactive, and conversational search
• Semantics and Knowledge: Data modeling to support human-machine intelligence, including LLMs agents, intelligent system behavior, explanations, and user-friendly interactions

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.

Problem

• Enhancing participatory design for AAC users
• Improving accessibility of high-tech AAC systems
• Refining design process based on user feedback

Innovation

• Refining participatory design for AAC users
• Investigating a two-part design process
• Improving accessibility based on feedback