Improving the design of AAC displays: preliminary study of the effects of targeted motion and decluttering on visual attention and symbol learning by individuals with Down syndrome

This study investigates the effects of targeted motion (i.e., smooth movement of a selected AAC symbol from its location to the center of the display) and decluttering of the AAC display on visual fixation duration and accuracy of symbol identification by participants with Down syndrome across three sessions. In each session, participants were first asked to find a target symbol in a grid display with and without targeted motion of selected symbols; data on their visual fixation duration were collected using the Tobii Spectrum Pro. Then they were asked to identify target picture symbols from a unique grid in response to the spoken name of the symbol. Visual fixation duration to target symbols was significantly greater in the condition with targeted motion and decluttering of the display compared to the static display condition across all three sessions. It was difficult for many participants to identify symbols accurately in both of the display conditions; participants demonstrated continued improvements across the three sessions with targeted motion displays while their performance seemed to plateau with the static displays that mimic those used in current practice. Targeted motion may be a powerful tool to increase visual attention to key aspects of AAC displays, but further investigation is required to fully understand how to harness motion to support learning and use of AAC displays.