Subtle Subtitles clarifies conversation with people with dysarthric speech by presenting subtitles in our peripheral vision in an intuitively designed scarf. Those familiar with the impediment understand the slurred speech however, as with other variances in expression, strangers struggle to 'tune in' to the conversation. Current solutions for this communication difficulty use synthesised speech to replace the person's own; Subtle Subtitles ensures that the wearer's own speech and eye contact continue to be of greatest importance, preserving the intimacy of the exchange whilst quietly providing a subtle hint of the context of the conversation.
The project, an experience prototype, involves using nuance dragon's speech dictate with a moderately dysarthric speaker which Calum has trained from an empty dictionary as opposed to using the traditional training scenario, then written software to filter the output and display only the key words. The wearable is hand made, and the typography involved in subtitling is using his own typeface. The application itself has been developed through HTML, CSS, PHP, Javascript and Phonegap.
Calum's mother has Spino-Cerebellar Ataxia, diagnosed 7 years ago, and her voice is now affected by speech dysarthria, symptomatic of her Ataxia. Although friends and family still understand her for the most part, people who are less familiar are having some difficulty. After interviewing professionals in the field of inclusively designed products, and relevant therapists, attending charity and communication aid conferences, and following a workshop with the East of Scotland branch of Ataxia UK, Calum realised the potential of 'subtitling' speech with an iPhone / iPod touch application that was wearable.
My mum has Spino-Cerebellar Ataxia, diagnosed 7 years ago, and her voice is now affected by speech dysarthria, symptomatic of her Ataxia. Although friends and family still understand her for the most part, people who are less familiar are having some difficulty. This provided my project focus.
I started by researching the current state of the industry, looking for inspiration for the possible outcome of my project. After interviewing professionals in the field of inclusively designed products, and relevant therapists, attending charity and communication aid conferences, and following a workshop with the East of Scotland branch of Ataxia UK, I realised the potential of 'subtitling' speech with an iPhone / iPod touch application that was wearable. Having voice as the 'input' method as opposed to type or images such as is used in Toby Churchill's Litewriter, means that instead of replacing a facility lost by the user, my system enhances the user's remaining speech.
Inspired, I began to immerse myself in the group for which the project could be of use - people with Ataxia, with the accompanying speech impediment Ataxic Dysphonia / Dysarthria. Although my initial efforts with self-arranged charity meetings were attended by only a few, my role and interest in the charity Ataxia Uk was a great way to get closer to other people with the condition. I was fortunately given the chance to attend a meeting with the East of Scotland Branch.I am indebted to the group for their help, as they became my user group for tests and feedback. I designed a series of exercises surrounding two packs of postcards. The packs contained typefaces and wearable products - some technological and others entirely 'analogue'. (documented here)
And so the subtitling scarf was born...
Continuous prototyping has been integral to the development of Subtle Subtitles, the main user and broader user group have been key throughout the design process. The results of this process can be viewed at the Degree Show in Dundee May 22nd - 30th, and at New Designers in London July 8th - 11th 2010.
copyright © calum pringle 2010
