Abstract
Augmentative alternative communication systems aid people with communication disorders by effectively communicating messages through vocabulary symbols that serve as a key interface for message transference. According to the parts of speech, vocabulary symbols can be categorized into nouns, verbs, adjectives, and other main categories. However, no existing study has examined the visual design of adjective symbols. This study was a preliminary investigation on the representations (i.e., photographs and line drawings) and statuses (i.e., static and animated) of adjectives. The objective of this study with two stages was to extract the visual design principles of symbols that can best represent the qualities of investigated adjectives based on satisfaction. In general, the static presentation form was suitable to represent abstract and comparative concepts or situations that required substantial details to prevent increasing mental burdens, whereas the animated presentation form was fit for representing approving, positive concepts.
