User Experience Evaluation of Voice Interfaces: A Preliminary Study of Games for Seniors and the Elderly

Abstract

Maintaining high cognitive activity is vital for the mental health of seniors. Taking part in leisure activities is an exciting and gratifying way to accomplish this, with video games having several advantages for this use. The present study is a work in progress to develop different digital games with natural voice interfaces that can be easily and pleasantly used by older adults to stimulate their cognitive needs. A Wizard of Oz with two different games was developed to evaluate the user experience perceived when using such applications. Positive results enhance the notion that using digital games powered by natural voice interfaces may appeal to the elderly, while stimulating their cognitive processes, thus fortifying their mental health.

Keywords

• voice interfaces
• smart-speaker
• user-experience
• wizard of oz
• elderly
• mental health