Improving computer interaction for older people - studying mouse clicks

Hollinworth, N. and Hwang, F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3243-3869 (2008) Improving computer interaction for older people - studying mouse clicks. In: SSE Systems Engineering Conference 2008, 25-26 Sep 2008, The University of Reading. (Unpublished)

Abstract/Summary

Interactions using a standard computer mouse can be particularly difficult for novice and older adult users. Tasks that involve positioning the mouse over a target and double-clicking to initiate some action can be a real challenge for many users. Hence, this paper describes a study that investigates the double-click interactions of older and younger adults and presents data that can help inform the development of methods of assistance. Twelve older adults (mean age = 63.9 years) and 12 younger adults (mean age = 20.8 years) performed click and double-click target selections with a computer mouse. Initial results show that older users make approximately twice as many errors as younger users when attempting double-clicks. For both age groups, the largest proportion of errors was due to difficulties with keeping the cursor steady between button presses. Compared with younger adults, older adults experienced more difficulties with performing two button presses within a required time interval. Understanding these interactions better is a step towards improving accessibility, and may provide some suggestions for future directions of research in this area.

Item Type	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/1118
Item Type	Conference or Workshop Item
Refereed	No
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences > Department of Bio-Engineering
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