LexiPal: Kinect-based application for dyslexia using multisensory approach and natural user interface

Abstract

Considered as an effective learning strategy for dyslexia, multisensory approach demands visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activity. While development of software application implementing multisensory approach has shown promising result, previous applications did not accurately resemble multisensory strategy because there are no kinesthetic implementations. This research proposes a Kinect-based application, termed LexiPal, which incorporates kinesthetic activity in multisensory implementation by using Natural User Interface (NUI). NUI provides more intuitive ways of interacting with the application by using body movement and gesture. LexiPal implements NUI by fusing several technologies including Augmented/Mixed Reality (AR/MR), non-contact human-computer interaction, skeletal tracking, hand tracking, and gesture recognition. For evaluation purpose, LexiPal was tested on 40 dyslexic children and they considered LexiPal user interaction as easy to use and enjoyable, which attract them to play the learning content again in the near future.