Abstract
This chapter describes trials Convergys undertook to discover how to improve call center agent productivity through the functionality provided by a multimodal workstation. The trials follow a specific sequence where multimodal building blocks are identified, investigated, and then combined into support tasks that handle call center transactions. Convergys agents tested the Multimodal User Interface (MMUI) for ease of use, and efficiency in completing caller transactions. Results show that multimodal transactions are faster to complete than only using a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Multimodal productivity enhancements are also seen to increase agent satisfaction.
Matthew Yuschik, Ph d., is a Principal Investigator at MultiMedia Interfaces, LLC, and performed the research for this chapter at Convergys Corporation, Cincinnati, OH
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Ballentine, B. (1999) How to Build a Speech Recognition Application, Enterprise Integration Group, San Ramon, CA
Brems, D., Rabin, M., and Waggett, J. (1995) Using Natural Language Conventions in the User Interface Design of Automatic Speech Recognition Systems, Human Factors 37(2):265–282
Card, S., Moran, T., and Newell, A. (1983) The Psychology of Human-Computer Interaction, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Hillsdale, New Jersey
Convergys Home Page (2010) www.convergys.com/company
Convergys Corporate Report (2008) www.convergys.com/investor/annual_report_2008, page 10
Esgate, A. and Groome, D. (2005) An Introduction to Applied Cognitive Psychology, Psychology Press, New York
Hauptman, A., and Rudnicky, A. (1990) A Comparison of Speech and Typed Input, CHI Minneapolis, MN
Heins, R., Franzke, M., Durian, M., Bayya, A. (1997) Turn-Taking as a Design Principle for Barge-In in Spoken Language Systems, International Journal of Speech Technology 2:155–164
Karl, P. and Schneiderman, B. (1993) Speech-Activated versus Mouse-Activated Commands for Word Processing Applications: An Empirical Evaluation, International Journal of Man-Machine Studies 39:667–687
Margulies, E. (2005) Adventures in Turn-Taking, Notes on Success and Failure in Turn Cue Coupling, AVIOS2005 Proceedings, San Francisco, CA
Miller, G. (1958) The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two: Some Limits on Our Capacity for Information Processing, Psychological Review 63(2):81–97
Nass, C., and Brave, S. (2005) Wired for Speech, How Voice Activates and Advances the Human Computer Relationship, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA
Sacks, H., Schegloff, E.A., Jefferson, G. (1974) A Simplest Systematics for the Organization of Turn-Taking for Conversation, Language 50:696–735
Simon, H. (1978) Cognitive Psychology Class Notes, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Smith, E. and Kosslyn, S., (2007) Cognitive Psychology: Mind and Brain, Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Yuschik, M. (1999) Design and WOZ Testing of a Voice Activated Service, AVIOS99 Proceedings, San Jose, CA
Yuschik, M. (2002) Usability Testing of Voice Controlled Messaging, International Journal of Speech Technology 5(4):331–341
Yuschik, M. (2003) Language Oriented User Interfaces for Voice Activated Services, Patent Number 6,526,382 B1
Yuschik, M., et al. (2006a) Method and System for Supporting Graphical User Interfaces, Patent Office Serial Number 60/882,906
Yuschik, M. (2006b) Comparing User Performance in a Multimodal Environment, AVIOS San Francisco, CA
Yuschik, M. (2007a) Silence Durations and Locations in Dialog Management, Chapter 7, Human Factors and Voice Interactive Systems, Second Edition, Bonneau and Blanchard (Eds.), Springer, New York/Heidelberg
Yuschik, M. (2007b) Method and System for Training Users to Utilize Multimodal User Interfaces, Patent Office Serial Number 60/991,242
Yuschik, M. (2008a) Case Study: A Multimodal Tool for Call Center Agents, SpeechTEK2008, D101- Design Methods and Tools
Yuschik, M. (2008b) Steps to Determine Multimodal Mobile Interactions, SpeechTEK2008, D102 – Speaking and Listening to Mobile Devices
Yuschik, M. (2008c) Multimodal Agent-Mediated Call Center Services, Voice Search 2008, San Diego, CA
Yuschik, M. (2009) Call Center Multimodal Voice Search, Voice Search 2009, San Diego, CA
Yuschik, M. (2010) in Meisel, W., Speech In the User Interface: Lessons from Experiences, TMA Publications, Tarzana, CA
Acknowledgement
This work was performed as part of ongoing research and development at the Convergys Corporation. Special thanks go to Jay Naik, Ph.D., Karthik Narayanaswami, Cordell Coy, Ajay Warrier, and the agents at the Convergys Call Centers.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Yuschik, M. (2010). “It’s the Best of All Possible Worlds”: Leveraging Multimodality to Improve Call Center Productivity. In: Neustein, A. (eds) Advances in Speech Recognition. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5951-5_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5951-5_6
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-5950-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-5951-5
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)