TechnologyIntroduction
During the past few years, voice recognition software has become widely available for the personal computer. Ranging in price from $50 to $200, the software is not only available, but affordable as well. This software is broadly divided into two classes depending on whether the program interprets discrete or continuous speech. Continuous speech is similar to everyday conversation, but discrete speech requires each word to be enunciated with pauses between words. In this report, we examine the voice recognition software DragonDictate from Dragon Systems, Inc. DragonDictate is based on discrete speech technology and is primarily intended for controlling a personal computer via voice commands. The software also provides a facility for converting discrete speech into text. Our goal is to analyze the software using HCI theories and determine the utility of such software when performing the following routine tasks: managing email and browsing the Internet.
Our report begins with an overview of voice recognition technology. Next, we present our analysis of DragonDictate which is divided into three sections: scenarios and claims, HCI theories, and empirical measurements. The scenarios are episodes of user interaction that reflect our successes and failures in managing email and browsing the Internet with voice control. The HCI theories section analyzes the software from the active user perspective and discusses several prominent metaphors in the voice interface. The empirical measurements section compares the time required to complete tasks using voice control and using the keyboard and mouse.
The balance of our report discusses our conclusions, gives proposals for improving the software, and presents a final scenario which we believe reflects the current optimal use of this software. Although voice recognition software holds exciting possibilities for disabled computer users, we are limiting the scope of this report to users without special needs. Throughout the report, square brackets indicate voice commands in DragonDictate. For example, the command to turn on the microphone is [Wake Up].