Findings with the design of a command-based speech interface for a voice mail system

This paper tells the story of the design of a command-based speech interface for a voice mail system. Speech recognition was integrated in the voice mail system in order to allow the remote interrogation of messages in a speech-only dialogue. Our design goal was that consumers would perceive voice control as a clear benefit versus touch-tone control. It is shown how the speech interface was designed in a top-down approach. We started with a concept development and tested it by means of a Wizard-of-Oz simulation. After refining the concept in parallel design, the design was implemented in a high-fidelity prototype. By means of qualitative user testing it was improved in three iteration steps. We verified the achievement of our design goal with tests in two countries