Voice-Controlled Serious Game: Design Insights for a Speech Therapy Application
René Baranyi, Lukas Weber, Christoph Aigner, Vanessa Hohenegger, Sylvia Winkler, Thomas Grechenig · 2024
In modern speech rehabilitation, serious games present an innovative method to support patients effectively and engagingly. Speech rehabilitation aims to restore or improve communication abilities in individuals affected by conditions such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or neurological disorders. It employs a variety of therapeutic techniques tailored to the specific needs of each patient, often requiring intensive and repetitive practice. This research explores the development and implementation of a serious game specifically designed to support speech rehabilitation. Through a comprehensive analysis process, 16 distinct requirements were identified, incorporating both therapeutic and serious gaming elements. The technical feasibility and identified drawbacks of the game were demonstrated, focusing on the implementation of advanced technologies and interactive features and giving insights into current problems. Initial tests and feedback from a therapist provide promising indications regarding the acceptance of the game. The results suggest that the game can serve as a motivating tool in speech therapy and has the potential for broader application in the context of rehabilitation. Future studies should focus on the long-term efficacy and optimization of the user experience, as well as include enhanced and additional voice recognition aspects.