Free speech in a virtual world: Speech recognition as a novel interaction device for virtual reality applications

This paper considers the potential use of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) in Virtual Reality (VR) by analysing data from an Input Device Usability (IDU) Questionnaire developed for the Virtual and Interactive Environments for Workplaces of the Future (VIEW) project. Data from two VR trials and an Expert User Group were collected and analysed over a number of parameters, such as: interaction, distraction, ease of use, user comfort, frustration, enjoyment, error correction and overall input device usability. Analysis of the data illustrates that participants who believed they were using an ASR system to control their interaction in the VE, rated the usability of speech higher than the participants instructing another person or an expert user group. This points to an element of user perception and experience upon the overall usability of ASR as an input device in VR applications.