Older adults' perspectives on multimodal interaction with a conversational virtual coach

Abstract

IntroductionThe use of multiple interfaces may improve the perception of a stronger relationship between a conversational virtual coach and older adults. The purpose of this paper is to show the effect of output combinations [single-interface (chatbot, tangible coach), multi-interface (assignment, redundant-complementary)] of two distinct conversational agent interfaces (chatbot and tangible coach) on the eCoach-user relationship (closeness, commitment, complementarity) and the older adults' feeling of social presence of the eCoach.MethodsOur study was conducted with two different study settings: an online web survey and a face to face experiment.ResultsOur online study with 59 seniors shows that the output modes in multi-interface redundant-complementary manner significantly improves the eCoach-user relationship and social presence of the eCoach compared to only using single-interfaces outputs. Whereas in our face to face experiment with 15 seniors, significant results were found only in terms of higher social presence of multi-interface redundant complementary manner compared to chatbot only.DiscussionWe also investigated the effect of each study design on our results, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Empowering Smart Aging: Insights into the Technical Architecture of the e-VITA Virtual Coaching System for Older Adults

“…E-health platforms, specifically tailored for smart aging, represent a promising avenue for addressing the unique health challenges associated with aging populations. Over the past decade, significant attention has been directed toward exploring the potential of these platforms to promote health, prevent disease, and facilitate active aging, particularly in the context of conversational agents (CAs) [ 8 ]. Given that language serves as the primary means of establishing human connections and considering the expanding capabilities of voice services and natural language understanding, CAs emerge as compelling intervention interfaces for virtual coaching.…”