Shows
Coo-ee PodcastDesigning the Right Robot Voice: Aligning Sound with PersonalityIn this episode of the Coo-ee Podcast, we explore the fascinating world of robot voice design and its impact on user experience. Imagine purchasing a friendly-looking social robot, only to be met with a cold, mechanical voice that feels completely out of place. This disconnect can lead to frustration and hinder meaningful interactions. So, how can designers ensure that a robot’s voice aligns with its appearance and function?We discuss the research paper The Right Kind of Unnatural: Designing a Robot Voice by Matthew P. Aylett, Selina Jeanne Sutton, and Yolanda Vazquez-Alvarez, presented at the 1st Inte...2025-02-1506 minCoo-ee PodcastThe Challenge of Discoverability in Voice User InterfacesIn this episode of the Coo-ee Podcast, we are going to dive into a fascinating study on discoverability in voice user interfaces (VUI). We explore the paper "What Can I Say? Effects of Discoverability in VUIs on Task Performance and User Experience" by Kirschthaler, Porcheron, and Fischer, published at the 2nd Conference on Conversational User Interfaces.The study examines two key strategies for helping users discover available voice commands: automatic prompts (where the system suggests commands) and user-initiated help (where users ask, "What can I say?"). Using a simulated food-ordering assistant called FeedMe, researchers tested these strategies to see...2025-02-0807 minCoo-ee PodcastWhen Should Smart Speakers Speak Up? Exploring Proactive AI in ConversationsIn this episode of the Coo-ee Podcast, we dive into the research study May I Interrupt? Diverging Opinions on Proactive Smart Speakers, presented at the 3rd Conference on Conversational User Interfaces. This study examines how people feel about smart speakers that go beyond responding to commands and proactively initiate conversations.
Through an online survey with 47 participants, researchers explored user reactions to eight different proactive interaction scenarios featuring a fictional assistant named “Jay.” The findings reveal that while proactive AI can be helpful, timing, context, and tone significantly impact user acceptance. Some interactions—like reminders about im...2025-02-0308 minCoo-ee PodcastDesigning Inclusive Voice Assistants: Breaking Stereotypes with QIn this episode of the Coo-ee Podcast, we explore the groundbreaking study Eschewing Gender Stereotypes in Voice Assistants to Promote Inclusion by Andreea Danielescu. Published at the 2nd Conference on Conversational User Interfaces, this research dives into the social implications of voice assistant design, from reinforcing gender stereotypes to excluding non-binary individuals and marginalized groups.
The episode highlights the development of Q, a genderless voice assistant created to foster inclusivity by sitting between traditional male and female vocal ranges. We discuss how Q was crafted, the cultural and technical challenges of designing such a voi...2025-01-2606 minCoo-ee PodcastAccents Matter: How Virtual Assistants Shape Our WordsIn this episode of the Coo-ee Podcast, we dive into the fascinating study, “What’s in an Accent? The Impact of Accented Synthetic Speech on Lexical Choice in Human-Machine Dialogue” by Benjamin R. Cowan, Philip Doyle, Justin Edwards, Diego Garaialde, Ali Hayes-Brady, Holly P. Branigan, João Cabral, and Leigh Clark. The study reveals how the accent of virtual assistants influences our word choices during interactions. From “jumper” vs. “sweater” to how partner models guide our communication, this research sheds light on the subtle dynamics of language adaptation in human-machine dialogue. We also explore the implications for designing conversational systems that are...2025-01-1908 minCoo-ee PodcastDesigning Inclusive Voice Interfaces: Moving Beyond Gender NeutralityThis episode of the Coo-ee Podcast dives into the complexities of gender perception in voice user interfaces (VUIs), exploring Selina Jeanne Sutton’s paper, Gender Ambiguous, Not Genderless: Designing Gender in Voice User Interfaces with Sensitivity. Sutton critiques the idea of “genderless” voices and advocates for “gender ambiguous” designs that challenge societal biases and promote inclusivity. From the pitch and tone of voices to device branding and task assignments, this study highlights how every design choice influences user perceptions. By addressing these nuances, designers can create tools that respect diverse gender identities and move beyond binary categorizations.
2025-01-1108 minCoo-ee PodcastExploring User Experiences with ChatGPT: Insights from a Questionnaire StudyIn this episode of the Coo-ee Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of Conversational User Interfaces through the lens of a study titled “The User Experience of ChatGPT: Findings from a Questionnaire Study of Early Users” by Marita Skjuve, Asbjørn Følstad, and Petter Bae Brandtzaeg. Presented at the 5th International Conference on Conversational User Interfaces, this research sheds light on how early adopters perceived ChatGPT, balancing its practical benefits with its creative and engaging capabilities.
We explore the study’s methodology, including feedback from 194 participants who shared their experiences with ChatGPT, ranging fro...2025-01-0310 minCoo-ee PodcastImproving Voice Interfaces: Usability Challenges and SolutionsIn this episode of the Coo-ee Podcast, we delve into a thought-provoking study titled “I Don’t Know What You’re Talking About, HALexa: The Case for Voice User Interface Guidelines” by Christine Murad and Cosmin Munteanu. Published at the 1st International Conference on Conversational User Interfaces, this paper tackles the usability issues that plague voice interfaces like Alexa and Google Home. From misunderstood commands to vague feedback, these challenges often frustrate users—especially older adults—highlighting the need for better design principles.
The authors propose a framework of tailored guidelines for Voice User Interfaces (VU...2024-12-2310 minCoo-ee PodcastBalancing Helpfulness and Privacy in Proactive Voice Assistants: The Proactivity DilemmaIn this episode of the Coo-ee Podcast, we dive into the study “Understanding Circumstances for Desirable Proactive Behaviour of Voice Assistants: The Proactivity Dilemma” by Nima Zargham, Leon Reicherts, Michael Bonfert, Sarah Theres Voelkel, Johannes Schoening, Rainer Malaka, and Yvonne Rogers. Published in the Proceedings of the 4th Conference on Conversational User Interfaces, the study explores how proactive voice assistants can offer support while avoiding intrusiveness, particularly in social and domestic settings. Through storyboards and interviews with participants, the researchers highlight the importance of context-awareness, user control, and sensitivity to social dynamics when designing these technologies.
Th...2024-12-1708 minCoo-ee PodcastDesigning Voice Interfaces for Progressivity: Lessons from Real-World DataIn this episode of the Coo-ee Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of conversational user interfaces (CUIs) and explore the challenges of creating seamless voice interactions. Using the paper Progressivity for Voice Interface Design by Fischer et al. as our guide, we uncover why conversations with voice assistants often falter and how progressivity can help keep interactions on track.
Through real-world data from Amazon Echo users, the study highlights the importance of maintaining dialogue flow, offering actionable insights for designers and developers. From addressing non-preferred responses to prioritizing concise, context-aware prompts, this research redefines what effective voi...2024-12-1609 minCoo-ee PodcastMaking Voice Assistants Work for Older Adults: Design Challenges and SolutionsIn this episode of The Coo-ee Podcast, we explore the paper Voice Assistants and Older People: Some Open Issuesby Sayago, Neves, and Cowan, presented at the 1st International Conference on Conversational User Interfaces. The study dives into the unique challenges older adults face when using voice assistants like Amazon Echo or Apple Siri and highlights how these devices can be redesigned to be more accessible and empowering. From navigating communication barriers to addressing stereotypes in design, this episode unpacks key insights and future directions for inclusive technology.
📝 Link to the paper: https://doi.org/10.1145/3342775.3342803👥 Authors: Sayago, Neves, Co...2024-12-1206 minCoo-ee PodcastImproving Chatbots for Customer Service: Insights from User Experience ResearchIn this episode of The Coo-ee Podcast, we delve into a study by Asbjørn Følstad and Marita Skjuve, presented at the 1st International Conference on Conversational User Interfaces. The research explores how customer service chatbots can better meet user needs, highlighting efficiency, escalation paths, and practical functionality over human-like design. Learn how these findings can help transform frustrating chatbot interactions into seamless customer experiences.
📝 Link to the paper: https://doi.org/10.1145/3342775.3342784👥 Authors: Asbjørn Følstad, Marita Skjuve
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