Date of Defense
8-6-2026 2:00 PM
Location
E1-1028
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Science in Software Engineering
College
CIT
Department
Computer Science and Software Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Parag Kulkarni
Keywords
AI-based conversational system, dual-interface design, elderly care innovation, improving senior’s independence.
Abstract
The UAE is steadfast in its digitalization process due to the Vision 2031, but the aging population encounters several barriers in its efforts to use essential services like subsidized food and fodder markets through an online platform. This thesis developed and validated an AI-based conversational system that focused on helping the elderly group to acquire digital services. The challenges here are associated with lack of knowledge on digital interfaces, language barrier because of dialects and lack of digital literacy in a majority of older adults. The Study addressed these challenges by considering the diverse dialect, cultural and technological needs of the seniors.
The solution consists of the dual interface design, which has a hotline option to engage the seniors who do not have access to digital devices and a voice-activated interface with the simplified icon-based interface to address the needs of smartphone users. The AI system supports culturally sensitive and accent-aware interactions through Microsoft Azure Speech Services (ar-AE), Emirati dialect phrase adaptation, and culturally informed dialogue design. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate usability, autonomy, user satisfaction, and task completion performance.
By discussing the features of inclusive, voice-activated design that can decrease the level of digital exclusion and advance the objectives of UAE Vision 2031, the given study reveals the potential of the culturally sensitive AI applications to assist in facilitating equitable access of all demographic groups to the necessary services.
Included in
A STUDY ON CULTURALLY SENSITIVE AI-BASED CONVERSATIONAL INTERFACES TO ENHANCE DIGITAL SERVICE ACCESSIBILITY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE UAE
E1-1028
The UAE is steadfast in its digitalization process due to the Vision 2031, but the aging population encounters several barriers in its efforts to use essential services like subsidized food and fodder markets through an online platform. This thesis developed and validated an AI-based conversational system that focused on helping the elderly group to acquire digital services. The challenges here are associated with lack of knowledge on digital interfaces, language barrier because of dialects and lack of digital literacy in a majority of older adults. The Study addressed these challenges by considering the diverse dialect, cultural and technological needs of the seniors.
The solution consists of the dual interface design, which has a hotline option to engage the seniors who do not have access to digital devices and a voice-activated interface with the simplified icon-based interface to address the needs of smartphone users. The AI system supports culturally sensitive and accent-aware interactions through Microsoft Azure Speech Services (ar-AE), Emirati dialect phrase adaptation, and culturally informed dialogue design. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate usability, autonomy, user satisfaction, and task completion performance.
By discussing the features of inclusive, voice-activated design that can decrease the level of digital exclusion and advance the objectives of UAE Vision 2031, the given study reveals the potential of the culturally sensitive AI applications to assist in facilitating equitable access of all demographic groups to the necessary services.