Natural Language Interfaces
These allow the user to interact with a computer system in their own language
Application of Voice Input
Information Systems and Steering Calls - a phone system directing your call to the appropriate department based on your input.
Biometrics - Using voice input to verify identity by analysing wave patterns in speech
Data input for speech to text or translation
Advantages of Voice Input
- Allows users to interact with a computer hands-free and not have to sit or be still to type
- Intuitive, easy to use. May have some specific commands but these will not be complex
- Could potentially speed up work for slow typers
- Could be extremely helpful for people with certain physical disabilities or special education needs
- The software might provide corrections if a mistake is detected, although this could slow input down
- Software has to be taught to recognise your voice to provide the best possible service which can take time
- The accuracy of the software could be reduced in your voice changes due to a cold or if there is a lot of background noise
- Commercial voice recognition software can be expensive and a separate mic might be required
- Strong dialects and accents may cause confusion
- Ambiguity of natural language
Contemporary HCI
This is an umbrella term for how me make inputs and what form outputs take.