Enabling by Voice

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A user-centred investigation on the design of voice controlled Environmental Control (EC) devices using Interactive Smart Agents (ISA)

• IRAS ID

  255096

• Contact name

  Umber Shamim

• Contact email

  umber.shamim@brunel.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Brunel University London

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 6 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  The Interactive Smart agents (ISA) like Amazon Echo are rapidly becoming part of our households. These devices are controlled by the user by conversing with them in natural language. These agents in turn control other smart devices. The same functionalities are provided by Environmental Control (EC) devices issued to people with physical disabilities. EC devices are controlled by switch methods such as eye gaze, ‘suck and puff’ etc. (Craig et al., 2005). EC devices are issued by NHS through regional EC services like North Thames Regional Environmental Control Equipment Service (NTRECES). During the year 2016-17 NTRECES had 86 SCI clients out of the total 732. In severe cases of SCI people suffer complete loss of mobility from the neck down. But typically, they retain excellent cognitive and communication skills. The use of switch control of EC devices in such cases can be very frustrating (Judge et al., 2009). This project investigates the adoption of ISA as EC devices. It questions the future of EC devices and compares conventional EC, Voice Controlled EC and ISA controlled EC. For the purpose of this study, patients with severe disability will be recruited, with the help of NTRECES. Patient observations and semi-structured interviews will be carried out, at their residence. The gathered insights will represent the foundation of the conceptual architecture of an EC system control through natural language.
  Craig, Y. Tran, P. McIsaac, P. Boord. 2005. The Efficacy and Benefits of Environmental Control Systems for the Severely Disabled. Medical Science Monitor 11(1): 32-39.
  Judge, Z. Robertson, M. Hawley, P. Enderby. 2009. Speech-Driven Environmental Control Systems – A Qualitative Analysis of Users' Perceptions. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology 4(3): 151–157.

• REC name

  London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  19/LO/1905

• Date of REC Opinion

  5 Feb 2020

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion