Animation in AAC: Previous research, a sample of current availability in the United States, and future research potential.

Animation has been studied in the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) literature regarding increasing transparency of symbols and decreasing operational demands of the interface design. This study investigated a sample of AAC devices to determine the presence and purpose of animation in the systems. We found that the majority of the animation found on AAC devices serve the function of providing feedback to the user. Future exploration of the use of animation in AAC through capitalizing on previous research, new technology, and as a method to foster linguistic and operational competence are considered. Clinical and research implications of these findings are discussed.