Exploring Motor-impaired Programmers’ Use of Speech Recognition

Abstract

Typing programs can be difficult or impossible for programmers with motor impairments. Programming by voice can be a promising alternative. In this research, we explored the perceptions of motor-impaired programmers with regard to programming by voice. We learned that leveraging existing voice-based programming platforms to speak code can be more complicated than it needs to be. The interviewees expressed their frustration with long hours of memorizing unnatural commands in order to enter code by voice. In addition, we found a preference for being able to speak code in a flexible manner without requiring strict adherence to a grammar.