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Speech is the next UX

“We’ve seen more progress in this technology in the last 30 months than we saw in the last 30 years. Ultimately vocal computing is replacing the traditional graphical user interface.” -Shawn DuBravac

Interface design enables humans to experience and interact with technology. Interestingly, Voice User Interface (VUI), is the ability to speak to devices and its capability, in turn, to understand and act upon users’ commands. 

Voice user interface: the next-gen of UX

Augmenting human intelligence is a lot more daunting than it looks. The difficulty of mimicking human cognition with software is showing Artificial Intelligence researchers that there’s more than one way to be “intelligent”. The rise of voice can be mainly credited to the evolution of AI and cloud computing capabilities. With machine learning and natural language processing, technology now has the ability to interpret human speech more accurately and in real-time, while also taking note of individual users’ speech tendencies.

This sans-hands method of interaction is rapidly gaining traction. With an approach that is more convenient and human-like, VUI is becoming the next generation of human-computer interaction. From asking Siri to book your appointment with the doc next Monday to asking Alexa to play your favourite show on Amazon Prime; the act of using voice commands has become increasingly natural for users.

At the Google I/O 2018 event, CEO Sundar Pichai demoed Google Duplex: A.I. Assistant calling a local business to make an appointment. The eerily lifelike phone call triggered a wave of intrigue and laughter in the 7,000-strong audience. 





Designing a Voice User Interface

Accurate natural language processing has until now existed only in the realm of science fiction. Voice represents the new pinnacle of intuitive interfaces that democratize the use of technology. However tech is still in its nascent stages and not the ultimate incarnation of the medium, but yet it’s currently a strong favourite.

For web and application designers, voice interaction, perhaps, is the biggest UX challenge since the dawn of the touchscreen age. Every voice recognition platform has a unique set of technological constraints. It is essential that you embrace these constraints when architecting a voice interaction UX.

The basic voice UX flow

Speech is the next UX the basic UX flow.

UX was always designed to make interactions as similar to the real world as can be and voice has the potential to make that a reality. UX designers must make sure they’re asking the right questions to elicit the appropriate verbal responses from users. Gender, age, inflexion, tone, accent, cadence and pace are all elements that can be used by UX designers seeking to craft a particular customer experience with their brand.

Below is the sample flow demonstrating the process of speech recognition

A more viable approach could be to prioritize and summarize the information based on known user preferences, prior to delivering an answer – in other words, doing what a normal person would naturally do in a conversation

More complex queries, at times, fall further off the cliff. Risking unpleasant interactions is something brands can rarely afford. Keeping this in mind, error messages could be crafted in a way that’s not only less annoying but also gets users back on track while presenting additional options.

Can we expect a ‘humane’ VUI?

In this age of expected instant gratification, it’s hard to imagine an average user patiently listening to their AI assistant as it narrates a laundry list of all continental restaurants one by one. We want our voice interactions to be as immediate as human alternatives.

VUI’s are extremely complex, multifaceted, and often hybrid amalgams of interaction. Voice interaction may not have garnered the same fanfare just yet. However, for the time being, the creation of a multi-model interface can ignite the furnace for an all-voice controlled interface. 

Will VUIs eventually become our primary means of interaction?

Let us know your views by commenting.

Fun fact

Celebrities are likely to find a brand new income stream from licensing not just their voices, but entire personalities as AI assistants. Sounds ridiculous? It does, but you can already pay about $10 to make your TomTom GPS nav unit speak like Snoop Dogg. Go for it!

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The Essence of User-Centered Design: A Dive into Fundamental Principles

In a digital world where user experience reigns supreme, crafting designs that resonate has become a mission. Enter User-Centered Design (UCD), a philosophy placing users at the core of the creative process. In this exploration, we’ll delve into the fundamental principles of User-Centered Design and understand why they are the keystones of successful interfaces.

User-Centered Design

Introduction:

Imagine navigating a website seamlessly, effortlessly finding what you need. That experience is no accident but the result of intentional design. User-centered design (UCD) is the compass guiding designers toward creating interfaces that users not only navigate but embrace.

1. Empathy is Key:

  • Incorporate for a better approach: Start by stepping into the shoes of your users. What are their pain points? What delights them? By empathizing, designers gain insights that drive user-focused design decisions.

2. User Involvement Throughout the Design Process:

  • Real-life example or statistic: Apple’s iterative design process involves user testing at every stage. This constant involvement ensures that their products align precisely with user needs.

3. Holistic Approach to Design:

  • Visual content: Picture your design not as isolated screens but as a cohesive journey. Use diagrams to illustrate how each component fits into the larger user experience ecosystem.

4. Usability is Non-Negotiable:

  • Case studies or examples: Consider the success of Google’s homepage. Its simplicity and efficiency showcase the power of a user-centered approach, emphasizing usability.

5. Accessibility for All:

  • End with a clear call-to-action: Make your designs accessible. It’s not just a legal obligation; it’s an ethical imperative. Ensure your interfaces are usable by everyone, regardless of ability.

6. Consistency Across the Interface:

  • Formatting for readability: Consistency is not just a design principle; it’s a readability strategy. Use bullet points for clarity and short paragraphs for easy consumption.

7. Flexibility and Customization:

  • Inclusive language: Users are diverse, so should your designs be. Incorporate flexibility and customization options. This ensures your interface caters to a broad range of preferences.

Why User-Centered Design Matters:

A. Enhanced User Satisfaction:

  • Feedback mechanism: Prioritize user satisfaction. A satisfied user is an engaged user. Welcome reader input and questions to keep the conversation alive.

B. Reduced Learning Curve:

  • Clear call-to-action: Minimize frustration. Make your interfaces intuitive, reducing the learning curve. Invite users to explore with a clear call-to-action.

C. Increased Engagement and Retention:

  • Visual content: Engaging interfaces retain users. Visualize engagement with appealing images or infographics. Showcase how user-centered designs reduce bounce rates.

D. Effective Problem Solving:

  • Tangible proof: Case studies offer tangible proof. Explore how UCD’s iterative process allows for effective problem-solving. Real-world examples bring these concepts to life.

Conclusion:

In the grand tapestry of digital design, User-Centered Design is the thread weaving functionality, aesthetics, and user satisfaction into a seamless whole. By embracing these principles, designers transform mere interfaces into user-centric experiences. So, as you embark on your design journey, remember: User-centered design isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a commitment to excellence. Design with the user in mind, and success will follow.

About the Author: Mehul Chauhan is a seasoned Senior UI/UX Designer at Mantra Labs. With a deep understanding of design principles and a keen eye for detail, he brings creativity and innovation to every project he touches. When he’s not busy perfecting digital interfaces, you can find him seeking inspiration in art galleries or exploring the latest design trends across various industries.

Further Reading: Unveiling the Art of Emotional Design

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