Better to Ask Than Assume: Proactive Voice Assistants' Communication Strategies That Respect User Agency

Explore the communication strategies of proactive voice assistants (VAs) in smart homes that respect user agency in this 16-minute conference talk from CHI 2024. Delve into research that addresses the gap in considering user autonomy when VAs predict needs and take autonomous actions. Learn about the Wizard of Oz method used to simulate a smart home environment, allowing for controllable devices and unrestricted communication between VAs and users. Discover design implications for developing proactive VAs that empower users to express dynamic needs and preferences while maintaining a sense of control. Gain insights into balancing automated assistance with user agency in the evolving landscape of smart home technology.

Better to Ask Than Assume: Proactive Voice Assistants’ Communication Strategies That Respect User...