Pupil Size: A Unique Variable Used to Improve AAC Display Design for Individuals with Down Syndrome
Open Access
Author:
Saganowich, Jessica
Area of Honors:
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Krista M Wilkinson, Thesis Supervisor Carol Anne Miller, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Eye Tracking AAC Down syndrome
Abstract:
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a set of tools and intervention methods created for individuals whose speech is not meeting their full language capacity. Most AAC systems are designed for individuals who will use symbols or graphics to express emotions, identify objects, or use description words. Previous studies support that current AAC displays are not successfully utilized by every user due to the following challenges: limited vocabulary size, limited number of trained communication partners, and most important to this study, AAC display design. In order to better design AAC displays, researchers have looked to the field of cognitive neuroscience to investigate why certain designs may be more successful than others (Wilkinson & Jagaroo, 2004). Based on these works, it has been found that internal color and the spatial arrangement of display images induces variable amounts of cognitive load on the user (Wilkinson & McIlvane, 2013). This study sought to investigate previous conclusions and their applicability to individuals with Down syndrome via a unique variable, change in pupil size. This variable will add a physiological measure to help researchers better understand how cognitive load and cognitive neuroscience can contribute to improving AAC display design specifically for use by individuals with Down syndrome.
