VitaApp: augmentative and alternative communication system aimed at older adults

Abstract

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (AACs) is an important study area for people who need alternative ways to communicate their ideas. An AAC web system based on pictograms for the elderly VitaApp is pre- sented in this paper. The system results from the implementation of the last phase of the UIAAC method, which guides the design and implementation of AAC systems aimed at older adults. VitaApp is based on a client-server architecture, divided into three roles: a) administrator, carer: these oversee customizing the interface and have dedicated web applications; b) elderly: they use the AAC application that their caregiver personalizes for them. The graphical interface of the AAC application is evaluated through a case study that was applied to an older adult, his caregiver, and a clinical psychologist; in this, the ease of use, usefulness, and future use of the web application were evaluated. The results show that its users perceive VitaApp as an alternative communication support tool, useful, easy to use, and considered to be used in the future. © 2021, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.