Towards the Next Generation of Computer- based Interpersonal Communication Aids

Commercially available interpersonal communication aids appear to lack a common technical ground to facilitate both user-adaptation and functional flexibility. The framework of an alternative solution is presented in this paper, concerning a novel approach aiming to affect the development of interpersonal communication systems. It utilises a new, open and modular software architecture as its functional core that considers communication aids to be consisting of a number of independently developed components. Potential products, accompanying tools, and likely users are also presented, focusing on the impact the new approach can have on the way communication aids are developed altogether.