Overview

Background

To maximise the potential of voice interface 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.

Scope

The scope of the project is:

• conversational technologies
• related areas, such as machine learning and AI
• University customer interfaces
• common standards and tools in the Higher Education context

Objectives

The objectives for the project are:

• Gain an understanding of the conversational technology landscape
• Gain an understanding of use cases for the technology in the Higher Education context
• Develop sample use cases for the University
• Establish relevant technical standards and best practice
• Share the outputs with relevant web practitioners

Deliverables

• A report outlining the technology landscape and its use in Higher Education
• Sample use cases and a related template with guidance
• Technical standards and best practice guidance
• Running a one-day sprint for 15 participants to design an experimental application to solve a student problem

Benefits

The key benefits of the project are:

• Standards and guidance which can be used by colleagues throughout the University
• Encourage innovation in the use of a new technology for the benefit of end users
• Empower University business units to use the technology appropriately to achieve objectives
• Inspire collaboration between business units
• Improve audience engagement and user experience 

Success Criteria

• Use of the published standards and guidance
• Feedback from sprint participants

Project Milestones

• Define scope of technologies
• Appoint external consultant
• Conduct technology review in HE context and report
• Develop use cases
• Develop standards and best practice guidance 
• Publish use case, standards and best practice
• Conduct code sprint
• Review activity/ outputs and report