Despite their potential to transform lives, AAC devices often fall short—they are typically developed without meaningful input from users and struggle to keep pace with technological advances. Moreover, current AAC technologies are often very difficult to use, making them less accessible to those who need them most.
"While traditional user-centered design methods may not always be feasible for people with complex communication needs, this research seeks to create an alternative path—one that presents an early-stage, interdisciplinary design approach for AAC, emphasizing the importance of "weaving voices". Only then can we truly develop inclusive technologies that serve everyone, especially those who are often unheard,” Tanja Vihriälä says.
Bridging the gap between mainstream technological innovation and real-world communication needs
A key aspect of Vihriälä’s work is the early involvement of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the design process—something that is rarely utilized in AAC research before moving to more user-centered approaches. By integrating SLPs at the initial stages, the dissertation ensures that the needs of users are considered from the very start, addressing the challenges in traditional design processes where direct user input is difficult.
Through five research publications, the dissertation not only proposes cutting-edge technological solutions but also demonstrates them in practice with a proof of concept—e-textile-based AAC (eTAAC). The work shows how early-stage, collaborative design can lead to more effective, accessible, and user-friendly AAC technologies, laying the groundwork for tools that truly meet the diverse needs of individuals with complex communication challenges.
"People with complex communication needs are often silenced by their inability to communicate in traditional ways, making it all the more crucial that we seek ways to listen and amplify their voices in the design of technologies that should serve them, especially those who are often unheard,” Vihriälä says.
Public defence on Friday 28 February
The doctoral dissertation by MA Tanja Vihriälä titled Weaving Voices – Bridging Disciplines for Early Technology Design in Novel E-Textile Augmentative and Alternative Communication (eTAAC) Technologies, will be publicly examined by the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University at 12 o’clock on Friday, 28 February, in the Linna building, Väinö Linna -auditorium (Kalevantie 5, Tampere).
The opponents will be Adjunct Professor Soile Loukusa from the Finnish Association of Speech and Language Therapists and ComParte Oy, and Dr. Sari Kujala from Aalto University. Custos will be Associate Professor Johanna Virkki from the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University.
The doctoral dissertation is available online.
The public defence can be followed via remote connection.