Factors Affecting User Perception of a Spoken Language vs. Textual Search Interface: A Content Analysis

This paper explores the differences in users' responses to a spoken language search interface through voice and touch gesture input when compared with a textual input search interface. A Wizard of Oz user experiment was conducted with 48 participants who were asked to complete an entry questionnaire and then six tasks on a spoken search interface and six tasks on a textual search interface. Post-task and post-system questionnaires were also completed followed by an exit interview. The content analysis method was used to analyze the transcribed exit interview data. Results from the content analysis indicated that users' familiarity with the system, ease-of-use of the system, speed of the system, as well as trust, comfort level, fun factor and novelty were all factors that affected users' perception. We identified several major factors that may have implications for the design of future spoken language search interfaces and potential improvements in the user experience of such interfaces or systems.