title: Effects of icon size and location on speed and accuracy of SGD access.
abstract: Increasing speed and accuracy of communication via a speech-generating device (SGD) is an important clinical goal in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The current study, conducted with adults without disabilities using a within-subject experimental design, compared the effects of two different SGD trainings on speed and accuracy of locating words via an SGD interface. During size-centered training, participants were introduced to six large icons that completely filled an SGD screen. During location-centered training, participants were introduced to six small icons on a 40-location screen where other icons were hidden. After the training, participants were asked to find the trained items on a 40-location screen with all 40 icons visible. Accuracy and speed of response were analyzed, and the study found that participants located targets faster and more accurately following location-centered training vs. following size-centered training. If similar effects are found with individuals with complex communication needs, clinicians should consider implementing SGD grid designs that facilitate location-centered learning.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders.
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dukhovny
authors.affiliation: b Department of Statistics and Biostatistics , California State University, East Bay , Hayward , CA , USA.
authors.forename: YanYan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003626:Data Display; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Display design; augmentative and alternative communication; procedural memory