ABSTRACT
VIRTUAL WORLD
COMMAND AND OUTPUT EXPERIMENT
by
Lynne Alison Winner
A 2 X 3 experiment with command interface (speech or keyboard)
and output (text, voice, or both) was conducted. There were two
analyses. The commanding analysis of time and preference was between
subjects. The output analysis of accuracy and preference was within
subjects. All subjects were briefly trained in a sample world and
then asked to navigate within a three object virtual world. Objects
were queried with either speech or keypress and output was given in
text display, recorded voice, or both. Output type associated with
each object was varied across subjects, canceling any preference or
possible order effect. Sessions were timed to determine effectiveness
of speech or keypress. A questionnaire was given to each subject
after the experiment, assessing correct recall of object provided
information. Subjective preferences on the experience were also
sought. Experimental results yielded no significant effects. Some
marginal effects were found. Higher accuracy of answers for subjects
using keypress command was noted. Keypress was also the preferred
command mode, although sessions with speech took a shorter time.
This report examines speech and virtual reality in the role of
naturalistic interfaces. A recount of the experiment’s development
and the factors involved in its outcome are also discussed.