Wearable technology is evolving beyond fitness tracking and into the realm of personal communication enhancement. Researchers from various institutions have developed WSCoach, a wearable system designed to provide real-time auditory feedback to help users reduce unwanted words in their daily conversations. This innovation opens up new possibilities for self-improvement through technology, focusing on behavior modification in real-time.
The team, including Zhang Youpeng, Nuwan Janaka, Ashwin Ram, Yin Peilin, Tian Yang, Shengdong Zhao, and Pierre Dragicevic, conducted extensive studies to explore the design space of auditory feedback. They considered factors such as the type, duration, and timing of feedback to create an effective intervention system. Through pilot studies, they narrowed down the design choices and developed WSCoach, which alerts users almost instantly when they use unwanted words like filler words or swear words.
The effectiveness of WSCoach was compared to a state-of-the-art mobile application that provides post-hoc conversation analysis. Both methods showed significant reductions in the use of unwanted words. However, WSCoach demonstrated a more sustained impact over time. This suggests that real-time feedback could be more effective for long-term behavior change compared to delayed analysis.
The research highlights the potential of wearable technology in behavior correction and improvement. By providing immediate feedback, WSCoach helps users become more aware of their speech patterns and make adjustments in real-time. This approach could be particularly beneficial for individuals looking to improve their communication skills, whether for personal or professional reasons.
The study also offers valuable guidelines for designing wearable audio-based behavior monitoring and intervention systems. As wearable technology continues to advance, its applications in self-improvement and behavior modification are likely to expand. WSCoach represents a significant step forward in this field, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to enhance personal communication and overall quality of life.
For those interested in the technical details, supplementary material is available in the META Appendix and the OSF project at https://osf.io/6vhwn/?view_only=489498d3ac2d4703a17475fc6ca65dfa. This research not only contributes to the academic community but also offers practical tools for anyone looking to improve their communication skills through wearable technology.
