The Pitfalls of Surface Design

Bruce Balentine

Same Page Design Group

**Special date and time**  Friday 25 February at 3pm

Abstract

Speech recognition conjures up "sexy" images -- cool machines, conversations with intelligent robots, the future of technology -- and many products attempt to exploit the most sophisticated social attributes of spoken human language with speech products. Their goal is to create "personalities" that are appealing. Such preoccupations, however, only touch the surface of the interaction. Human beings have deeper and more subtle desires, wishes, fantasies -- and fears --- that make the surface a dangerous place to be. This seminar explores the future of speech. Will machines be as smart as people? What is the difference between language and competent communication? Will we ever converse just as we do with other humans? How far will it go and how long will it be? The seminar is a roundtable discussion aimed at clarifying the goals of speech products. Mission statements, clarity of purpose, and effective product design philosophy are the anticipated outcome.

Audience -- General public with knowledge about or interest in speech recognition; individuals grappling with design philosophy issues; students and laymen with interest in user interfaces and human perceptions.

Bruce Balentine has over fourteen years experience with the design and development of speech, audio, and multimodal user interfaces. As proprietor of Same Page Design Group, he provides research and interface design consulting services world-wide. He has held key positions with Voice Control Systems, Scott Instruments, and Future Computing. His expertise includes user interface design for telecommunications, desktop multimedia, entertainment, language training, medical, and home automation products.Mr. Balentine earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from the University of North Texas with interdisciplinary work in electronic music, computer music, and intermedia. Prior to specializing in speech, he devoted more than ten years to work in audio recording, photography, lighting, and other performance and production media. Mr. Balentine is also the author of The GoodListener Cookbook, as well as several articles and publications related to spoken user interfaces.

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last updated December 01, 2003 10:36 AM
Sandrine.Balbo@cmis.csiro.au