Putting Predictions First: Spoken's Innovative Approach to AAC Communication

You’ve probably noticed that Spoken is different from other Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) options. The primary difference, of course, is that our app doesn’t use a board-based system like most others. So why did we break the mold?

Why Spoken Tries Something Different

Communication boards are a time-tested solution for voiceless communication, but that doesn’t mean they’re the best option for every AAC user. There are many circumstances that may lead to someone using assistive communication technology and there will inevitably be users that are higher-functioning, for whom the limitations of a traditional communication board are undesirable. Simply put, we don’t think AAC is one-size-fits-all. Spoken provides people in need of AAC with a different option – one not based around preset options. Instead, it offers advanced, next-word predictions that make communication more flexible.

This gives Spoken a unique superpower - the ability to learn and adapt to different situations. Traditional AAC boards can’t account for every context, whereas Spoken provides users with an unlimited vocabulary so that they can communicate in all situations. The app can even prioritize words related to a user’s specific location, such as when they’re at a restaurant or in school. Spoken can also adapt to you: it learns from the way users speak, so that they’re able to present themselves in ways that better reflect who they are.

We’ve also put a lot of thought into keeping Spoken as straightforward as possible, making the user experience intuitive. Sometimes software – especially AAC – can be cluttered or overwhelming, so we strive to keep things simple and clean: it’s a core part of our design philosophy.

Also, look toward innovative features like the attention button – a quick way to capture someone’s attention without needing to find the word “help” – which demonstrate that we’re not only building on what came before, but coming up with new ideas altogether. We have plenty of these brewing behind the scenes and we hope you’ll stick around to see them implemented!

Overall, Spoken’s approach to AAC technology sets it apart from similar tools. By providing users with advanced, next-word predictions and an adaptable vocabulary, Spoken is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to individual users’ needs. With even more exciting features on the horizon, Spoken is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of AAC.