Small input devices used by the elderly - How sensorimotor transformation and task complexity affect interaction

Abstract

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) often challenges the human motor system, especially when small input devices have to be used. An inclusive design of input devices for a broad user group has to be provided that assures an efficient and effective interaction with the device. Therefore, this paper focuses on aging effects and the usability of small input devices integrated into computer notebooks. In two experiments we examined the most common input devices with regard to sensorimotor transformation and with regard to task complexity. In both experiments we compared younger and older middle-aged adults to younger adult users. Especially for the younger and older middle-aged user group we found a more efficient use of the motion-controlled tool (touchpad) in comparison to the force-controlled tool (mini-joystick) to perform a rather simple task. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.