The increase in voice user interface and associated devices by the University's key demographic gives us an opportunity to positively impact user engagement and offer a better customer experience. Google estimates that 20% of its queries on its mobile app and Android devices are voice searches and the forecast is that 50% of searches will be voice searches by 2020. The 16-25 age group have been identified as early adopters in the use of the technology. The range of ‘virtual assistants’ (such as Siri, Cortana, Google Voice Search, Amazon Alexa and Google Home) are collectively training users to search using voice and become more “conversational” with devices.

To maximise the potential of this new technology, there is a two-fold opportunity for the University initially – in learning how websites can be designed or adapted for voice search and in developing an experimental application for either the Amazon Alexa or Google Home device. We propose to develop an approach and standards for how to solve user problems with the technology and produce an innovate MVP.

This would be achieved by:

• Engaging in lightweight user research
• Engaging an external consultant to work with the Website and Communications team on how the University Website performs in this area and outlining what can be achieved;
• Running a one-day sprint for 15 participants to design an experimental application to solve a student problem. The purpose of this is to both better understand the technology and set an approach and standard which can be shared with University web practitioners.