“Do as I Say!... But Who Says What I Should Say - or Do?” On the Definition of a Standard Spoken Command Vocabulary for ICT Devices and Services

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a new ETSI Standard (ES): Generic spoken command vocabulary for ICT devices and services. It’s basic approach focuses on simplifying the learning procedure for end-users, thereby allowing for reuse of basic knowledge between different terminal devices and services, leading to a faster and easier adoption of new technologies. The availability of common, basic interactive elements increases the transfer of learning between devices and services and improves the overall usability of the entire interactive mobile environment. Such a transfer becomes even more important in a world of ubiquitous devices and services. In particular, the paper discusses the importance of involving potential users of such products in this process, rather than relying on expert judgment alone to determine what the standard commands should be.