Interaction Symmetry

The degree to which conversation partners have equal opportunities and means to participate in an interaction. In face-to-face spoken conversation, interaction is relatively symmetric—both partners can speak, listen, and use non-verbal cues at comparable speeds. AAC communication introduces asymmetry because the AAC user communicates more slowly, has different modalities available, and must divide attention between the device and the partner. Achieving interaction symmetry in AAC contexts requires technology design that levels the communicative playing field, accommodating different paces and modalities rather than expecting AAC users to match non-AAC norms.