Navigating the Future: A Design Fiction Study on User Perceptions of Next-Gen LLM-Based Voice Interaction

Voice user interfaces (VUIs) have evolved from simple command-based systems to more advanced platforms capable of engaging in complex, multi-turn conversations. While current VUIs primarily perform routine tasks, their future trajectory is poised to be significantly shaped by advancements in large language models (LLMs), enhancing their language understanding and human-like interaction capabilities. This study explores user perceptions of next-generation VUIs using a design fiction approach. We crafted five plausible future scenarios, depicted in comic-style formats, showcasing diverse VUI use-cases. Results from the focus group discussions reveal valuable insights highlighting the potential and challenges of integrating advanced VUIs into everyday interactions. Our results highlight the importance of building trust, factors influencing trust, social aspects and implications of technology, preferences for interaction techniques, and various ethical considerations associated with technology. We conclude by providing design guidelines for future VUIs, emphasizing the need for designing to build trust, the importance of domain specificity, the importance of enabling social experiences mediated via VUIs, and more.