Interface assessment: elderly users of an interactive television system
Carmichael, A.R.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics 48: 414-417
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0926-9630 PMID: 10186560 Document Number: 496187
Assessment of an interactive television service has highlighted potentially major barriers regarding the ease and desirability of access by elderly users. The kinds of service available through such technology vary widely as do the interaction operations required to achieve the goal of each service. For many interfaces, in particular those in the workplace, some element of explicit training or extended practice may be necessary and appropriate to achieve proficient use. However, in order to attract paying customers to television based interactive services, the expectation should be of a rapid and fairly effortless route to proficiency. Evidence is presented which indicates no positive effects of previous experience with a combined set of interactive services and it is argued that this is mainly due to a lack of explicit information and to inconsistencies (mainly between service providers) in the operation rules (both, explicit and implicit) provided.