Visual conversational interfaces to empower low-literacy users

Abstract

Mobile phones have come a long way from being plain voice calling devices to becoming multipurpose handy tools powered by ever increasing new applications available on-the-go. For many, the mobile phone of today has become the essential device one does not leave home without. However, for a large percentage of human population mobile phone apps are not of much use as they are not literate or IT savvy enough to be able to benefit from them. Recent advances in voice-based telecom information systems enable underprivileged and low-literacy users to access and offer online services without requiring expensive devices or specialized technical knowledge. However, voice applications are limited in their capability due to their time consuming nature. In this paper, we demonstrate an interaction modality that combines the power of voice communication with graphical interfaces in smartphones to break the barrier of illiteracy. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.