A study on interface design guidelines of web maps for elder users

Abstract

The aim of this research is to find out the interface design guidelines of web maps from the viewpoint of elder people's acceptance. This stage of the research is a qualitative exploration to web map user experience to find out interface design issues and problems. Web map user experience of participants was explored with methods of observation and interview. Six elder participants were taught some basic operations to use Google Maps. From the result of data analysis, this study adopts natural mapping as a core concept of proposed design guideline. The interface design guidelines of web maps for elder users are proposed: (a) compatibility of map display and cognitive map, (b) mental model of interface operation, (c) learnability of interface platforms, and (d) physical dimension of map display and operation interface. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.