What is Voice User Interface (VUI)

A Voice User Interface (VUI) enables oral interaction between humans and computer based system. A system equipped with voice command device have the voice user interface. They usually use speech recognition to understand words spoken by humans and use text-to-speech to produce the sound response. The input and output takes place via spoken language. For this, neither the hands are needed, nor does a display have to be observed. In addition to telephony, the main areas of application in the form of IVRs are smartphones with their personal assistance systems. A voice interface using a voice/voice platform makes it possible for a person and a computer to interact to run an automated service or process. Previously, controlling the device with the help of voice was possible only in science fiction. Until recently, it was considered the field of artificial intelligence.

However, the use of VUI has its complexities. People have little patience with “a machine that doesn’t understand.” Therefore, the VUI must work almost flawlessly, which means that it will consistently respond to input data, otherwise users will not apply the VUI, or the VUI will become the object of ridicule.

Creating a worthwhile voice interface requires interdisciplinary knowledge in computer science, linguistics, and psychology — expensive skills that are not easy to acquire. Even with advanced development tools, creating an effective VUI, you need to be aware of what tasks the VUI will perform, and what target audience it is aimed at. The better the VUI fits the cognitive model of the user’s task, the easier it will be to use the VUI without or with minimal training, which will increase its efficiency and user satisfaction.

The features of the target audience are very important. For example, when creating a VUI for the general public, you need to pay special attention to ease of use and a large number of instructions and tips for beginners. While coming up with a VUI for a small group of advanced users (including for technical support), you need to think more about productivity than about tips and instructions. Such applications should systematize the processing of calls, minimize the number of clues, eliminate unnecessary repetitions, use the principle of “mixed initiative”, which will allow the caller to enter different types of information in one statement and in any order or combination. In other words, the GI must be specifically created for specific technological processes that need to be automated.

The voice interface is not suitable for every technological process. In general, the more multifaceted the queries and operations, the more difficult it will be to automate them, and the greater the likelihood that the VUI will not be suitable for use by the general public. In some cases, process automation is basically impossible, so the only way out is to use a human consultant. For example, it will be very difficult to automate a legal support hotline. On the other hand, the VUI is perfect for handling fast and monotonous operations, such as changing the status of the order, filling out the “time” or “cost” column, or transferring funds between accounts.