Getting a word in: adding artificial pauses to natural language interaction

Natural language understanding (NLU) systems are promising alternatives to traditional menu-based dialogue systems more commonly employed in games, yet they remain widely under-explored and under-studied. In this paper, we present the results from a qualitative study we conducted on different versions of an NLU interface, inspired by previous results showing this interface to maximize player presence and engagement. Specifically we introduced different pacing options to an NLU interface by using prompts and pauses, and studied how these different interface approaches changed player behavior and perception. Our results provide important guidelines on how to design NLU systems for games, but their implications go beyond that: We have found further evidence that careful mediation through interface design, by introducing understandable and player-supporting conventions to interactive experiences, can help designers create user experiences in accordance with their end-goals. Furthermore, our results provide insights into the concept of agency, particularly towards a more complete model that emphasizes the importance of audience expectation and understanding in creating a sense of agency.