'What I think about when I type about talking': Reflections on Text-Entry Acceleration Interfaces

Language prediction and retrieval features found in modern AAC devices often focus on simple, impersonal phrases and lack flexibility, making them difficult to integrate into the flow of everyday conversation. A new prototype system, however, shows great promise in surmounting these obstacles. Text-entry interfaces are everywhere in mobile technology. However, these interfaces present challenges for both disabled and non-disabled typists. In particular, it is known that the potential time and effort savings of word prediction and sentence recall often go unrealized. Considering the use cases of disabled typists can inform better interface design for all. Focusing on the particular physical and cognitive barriers of extraordinary users has implications for mainstream interface design. We present the prototype GenieTalk system as a lens through which to study these barriers, discussing five key themes: intuition, uncertainty, mode switching, the nature of conversation, and authorship.