Application for Customisable Interaction with Physical Objects : A Tool for Speech and Language Therapists

Abstract: Physical objects with digital properties are being used more and more by the public. One such term for these artefacts include "the Internet of Things''. Most of these objects are often impossible to further modify or customise, and thus serve just the single purpose intended by their creators. This thesis explores the possibility of customising physical objects in order to provide an affordable and flexible way of interacting with them. A prototype, involving a mobile phone application (Android) and wireless sensor technology (NFC tags), was developed for the medical domain of speech and language therapy. The system, developed in close association with two therapists, allows the customisation of current speech and language exercise and associated material. It is designed to also assist with logging the patient interactions during the conduction of such exercises. The proposed solution has been tested and validated by medical experts, and its user interface evaluated by non-patient users.