Experienced Issues with Tablet Computer Interfaces Among Older Adults an Exploratory Study Using a Human Centred Interaction Design Approach

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Experienced Issues with Tablet Computer Interfaces Among Older Adults an Exploratory Study Using a Human Centred Interaction Design Approach Thesis no: MSCS-2015-15 Experienced issues with tablet computer interfaces among older adults An exploratory study using a human centred interaction design approach Linnéa Persson Faculty of Computing Blekinge Institute of Technology SE-371 79 Karlskrona Sweden This thesis is submitted to the Faculty of Computing at Blekinge Institute of Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (120 credits). The thesis is equivalent to 20 weeks of full time studies. Contact Information: Author: Linnéa Persson E-mail: [email protected] External advisor: IF APPLICABLE University advisor: Professor Sara Eriksén DIKR Department of Creative Technologies Faculty of Computing Internet : www.bth.se Blekinge Institute of Technology Phone : +46 455 38 50 00 SE-371 79 Karlskrona, Sweden Fax : +46 455 38 50 57 i i ABSTRACT Context: Older adults’ everyday usages of tablet computers in a home environment are currently left out from today’s research. Current researches include many specialized focuses regarding tablet computer interfaces but a holistic view of how older adults experience usage of tablet computers in their everyday life is still to a large extent missing. Objectives: The aim of this study is to apply a use- and user-centred action research approach to explore how older adults experience the usage of tablet computers in their everyday life. Older adults are observed using tablet computers in their home environment in order to explore experienced issues and identify possible improvements for the older adults’ interaction and use of tablet computers. Methods: This study is a qualitative explorative case study using a grounded theory approach. The study consists a two week observation period beginning with an introduction and tutorial to tablet computers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted directly before and after as well as a long term follow up interview, few months after the observation period. The research body with the first two interviews and observation period was conducted using grounded theory iteration, allowing for analysis between each participant. The study involved 10 older adults and took place in the older adults’ natural everyday home environment and targeted older adults born 1960 or earlier. Results: The study used different ways to introduce tablet computers to the older adults, individually adjusted to their knowledge about information communication technology in general and tablet computers in particular as well as for them familiar subjects. Associations using their familiar subjects were used to help the older adults to remember the functionality of different icons. Some of the interaction issues encountered could be solved on the spot using accessibility options and accessories. The participants’ interest in tablet computers increased during the main body of the study, but later decreased again between the last two interviews. Conclusions: Many interaction issues were identified during the study where the main issues were related to accuracy, typing, gesture and terminology. Suggestions are made concerning how to solve some of the issues encountered, like a dynamic grid for icons and text on the tablet computer home screen and an ergonomic version of a touchscreen pen. Although there are interaction issues that are directly related to the interface, there are other important aspects too that affect the experienced interaction issues when interacting with and using a tablet computer in one’s everyday life home environment. Influencers affecting how older adults feel about tablet computers played a very important role. Having the observer functioning as a technical mentor, during the two week observation period, played a bigger role than expected, but the short time the older adults had with the mentor was not enough to keep them interested on a long term basis. Keywords: Human Computer Interaction, Tablet Computer, Older adults, Home environment. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS In memory of Hans Persson 1960-2012 without him I would have never started studying interaction design or even computer science. This thesis is written to honour Hans Persson and his beliefs. The choice of including user experience in this study is greatly influenced by his research. Had he not given me my first smartphone with an internet subscription, I would never have developed an interest for smartphones and tablet computers and never opened my eyes to the possibilities with these devices. I can never thank my supervisor Sara Eriksén enough for never stopping to believe in me and the subject of this thesis. Her support, advice and guidance has been highly valued. I am honoured to have had a supervisor who has put so much effort into encouraging me with this thesis. Lastly, many thanks to Karl-Johan Tõnso for being there, supporting me and being a wonderful sounding board throughout the process of this entire thesis study. When things have been tough and motivation low he has kept me from giving up on my thesis and encouraged me go on and finish what I started. CONTENTS ABSTRACT ...........................................................................................................................................I ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................................... II CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................................... III LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................ IV LIST OF TABLES AND DIAGRAMS .............................................................................................. V ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS............................................................... VI 1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................................... 2 1.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS .......................................................................................................... 3 1.3 APPROACH ............................................................................................................................. 4 1.4 CONTRIBUTION ...................................................................................................................... 5 1.5 THESIS OUTLINE .................................................................................................................... 6 2 RELATED WORK ...................................................................................................................... 7 2.1 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS’ USAGE OF ICT ............................. 7 2.2 MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN OTHER STUDIES ........................................................................... 7 2.3 ICT HEALTHCARE .................................................................................................................. 9 2.4 OLDER ADULTS AFFECTED BY DEGRADATION .................................................................... 10 2.5 WHAT IS MISSING IN THE CURRENT RESEARCH ................................................................... 11 3 METHOD ................................................................................................................................... 12 3.1 DESIGN OF THE STUDY ......................................................................................................... 12 3.2 SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS AND EQUIPMENT ................................................................... 14 3.3 THE DATA GATHERING PATH .............................................................................................. 17 3.4 PATH OF ANALYSIS .............................................................................................................. 19 4 RESULTS ................................................................................................................................... 22 4.1 PRE-STUDY .......................................................................................................................... 22 4.2 INTRODUCTION INTERVIEWS ................................................................................................ 24 4.3 FROM THE OBSERVATIONS................................................................................................... 28 4.4 FROM THE DIRECT FOLLOW UP INTERVIEW ......................................................................... 35 4.5 FROM THE LONG TERM FOLLOW UP INTERVIEW ................................................................. 37 5 ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................................. 41 5.1 ANALYSIS OF RESULTS ........................................................................................................ 41 5.2 INTERACTION CHALLENGES ................................................................................................. 46 5.3 THOUGHTS ABOUT TABLET COMPUTER INTERFACES ........................................................... 48 5.4 INTERACTION INFLUENCERS BEYOND THE INTERFACE ........................................................ 53 5.5 CAN OLDER ADULTS BE USED AS AN ASSET IN ICT DEVELOPMENT? .................................. 55 6 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE
Recommended publications
  • Student Technology Use 2012
    Student Technology Use 2012 Welcome! This survey is being conducted by Librarians at the Newton Gresham Library at SHSU. We are interested in our students' use of current and emerging technology such as tablets and e-readers. This survey will take approximately 10-20 minutes and you may exit at any time if you change your mind about participating. No personally identifying information is required to participate. You do have the option to provide your SHSU email address at the end of the survey to enter a prize drawing; the winner will receive a free Barnes & Noble NOOK HD tablet! If you choose to enter the prize drawing, your email address will not be used for any other purpose and will be deleted after the drawing is complete. If you have questions or concerns regarding this survey, please contact the principal investigator, Erin Cassidy, at 936-294-4567 or [email protected]. Thank you for your participation! 1 Student Technology Use 2012 Other Technologies 1. Please mark all the technologies you recognize by name: Blogs Pinterest Chat / Instant Messaging (IM) Podcasts Delicious RSS E-reader SecondLife Facebook Skype / VOIP Foursquare / other geosocial networking sites Tablet Computer GoodReads Twitter Google+ YouTube MySpace None of them 2 Student Technology Use 2012 Internet & Computer Use 2. Do you have internet access at home? Dial-up I have internet, but don't know what kind DSL / Cable None, I don't have internet at home Satelite Other (please specify) 3. Do you have wifi / wireless internet at home? Yes Don't know No * 4.
    [Show full text]
  • E-Book Readers Kindle Sony and Nook a Comparative Study
    E-BOOK READERS KINDLE SONY AND NOOK: A COMPARATIVE STUDY Baban Kumbhar Librarian Rayat Shikshan Sanstha’s Dada Patil Mahavidyalaya, Karjat, Dist Ahmednagar E-mail:[email protected] Abstract An e-book reader is a portable electronic device for reading digital books and periodicals, better known as e- books. An e-book reader is similar in form to a tablet computer. Kindle is a series of e-book readers designed and marketed by Amazon.com. The Sony Reader was a line of e-book readers manufactured by Sony. NOOK is a brand of e-readers developed by American book retailer Barnes & Noble. Researcher compares three E-book readers in the paper. Keywords: e-book reader, Kindle, Sony, Nook 1. Introduction: An e-reader, also called an e-book reader or e-book device, is a mobile electronic device that is designed primarily for the purpose of reading digital e-books and periodicals. Any device that can display text on a screen may act as an e-book reader, but specialized e-book reader designs may optimize portability, readability (especially in sunlight), and battery life for this purpose. A single e-book reader is capable of holding the digital equivalent of hundreds of printed texts with no added bulk or measurable mass.[1] An e-book reader is similar in form to a tablet computer. A tablet computer typically has a faster screen capable of higher refresh rates which makes it more suitable for interaction. Tablet computers also are more versatile, allowing one to consume multiple types of content, as well as create it.
    [Show full text]
  • Young Children's Tablet Computer Play •
    Young Children’s Tablet Computer Play • Thomas Enemark Lundtofte The author reviews the research and scholarly literature about young chil- dren’s play with tablet computers and identifies four major topics relevant to the subject—digital literacy, learning, transgressive and creative play, and parental involvement. He finds that young children’s tablet computer play relies not only on technology, but also on sociocultural conditions. He argues that research should pay greater attention to transgressive play and should in general treat play as an autotelic concept because the nuances of play are as important as its function. He calls attention to the lack of affordances for creativity in apps for young children, explores the need for parental involve- ment in young children’s tablet computer play, and discusses the importance of agency and access in such play. Key words: digital media; iPad; tablet computer; play and young children Introduction I aim to make clear what we know about young children’s play with tablet computers by considering research from the human sciences that mentions play, young children, and tablet computers (or similar terms). This leads me to a num- ber of questions, some of which have also been treated in the research—questions about the kind of play possible with a tablet computer and about what we even mean by “tablet computer play.” To provide a framework for these questions, I discuss play theory as well as theories on technological affordances and how this aspect of children’s play with technology corresponds with what we know about the nature of play in general.
    [Show full text]
  • (12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D701.205S Akana Et Al
    USOOD70 1205S (12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D701.205S Akana et al. (45) Date of Patent: . Mar. 18, 2014 (54) PORTABLE DISPLAY DEVICE WITH COVER (56) References Cited (71) Applicant: Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA (US) U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS (72) Inventors: Jody Akana, San Francisco, CA (US); Bartley K. Andre, Menlo Park, CA 2.424,630 A 7, 1947 Perez (US); Jeremy Bataillou, San Francisco, 4.259,568 A * 3/1981 Dynesen ....................... 235.1 D CA (US); Daniel J. Coster, San (Continued) Francisco, CA (US); Daniele De Iuliis, San Francisco, CA (US); M. Evan FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS Hankey, San Francisco, CA (US); AU 315078 7/2007 Julian Hoenig, San Francisco, CA (US); CA 72548 5, 1993 Richard P. Howarth, San Francisco, CA (US); Jonathan P. Ive, San Francisco, (Continued) CA (US); Duncan Robert Kerr, San OTHER PUBLICATIONS Francisco, CA (US); Shin Nishibori, Kailua, HI (US); Matthew Dean "A Day in the Life of InfoLink.” Stanford University Libraries, pub Rohrbach, San Francisco, CA (US); lished May 1, 2003. Peter Russell-Clarke, San Francisco, CA (US); Christopher J. Stringer, (Continued) Woodside, CA (US); Eugene Antony Primary Examiner — Barbara Fox Whang, San Francisco, CA (US); Rico (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein Zörkendörfer, San Francisco, CA (US) & FOX PLLC (73) Assignee: Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA (US) (57) CLAM (**) Term: 14 Years The ornamental design for a portable display device with (21) Appl. No. 29/437,776 cover, as shown and described. (22) Filed: Nov. 20, 2012 DESCRIPTION Related U.S. Application Data FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable display device (63) Continuation of application No.
    [Show full text]
  • A Future Projection of Hardware, Software, and Market Trends of Tablet Computers
    A Future Projection of Hardware, Software, and Market Trends of Tablet computers Honors Project In fulfillment of the Requirements for The Esther G. Maynor Honors College University of North Carolina at Pembroke By Christopher R. Hudson Department of Mathematics and Computer Science April 15,2013 Name Date Honors CoUege Scholar Name Date Faculty Mentor Mark Nfalewicz,/h.D. / /" Date Dean/Esther G/Maynor Honors College Acknowledgments We are grateful to the University of North Carolina Pembroke Department of Computer Science for the support of this research. We are also grateful for assistance with editing by Jordan Smink. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract........................................................................................................................................... 1 Background..................................................................................................................................... 2 Materials and Methods.................................................................................................................... 3 Results……..................................................................................................................................... 5 Discussion...................................................................................................................................... 8 References..................................................................................................................................... 10 iii List of Tables Table 1 Page 7
    [Show full text]
  • Expanding the Role of the Ipad and Tablet Devices to Cosmetic Patient Consultations Jing Wang,* Jeffrey T.S
    Expanding the Role of the iPad and Tablet Devices to Cosmetic Patient Consultations Jing Wang,* Jeffrey T.S. Hsu, MD, FAAD,† and Ashish C. Bhatia, MD, FAAD‡,§ The iPad is a useful reference tool for patient education in cosmetic consultations. In this article, we plan to (1) discuss how the iPad can be implemented and used by patients and physicians in consultations, (2) compare the advantages and disadvantages of the iPad with other forms of technology, (3) discuss the optimal way of using the iPad for patient care, (4) see how this tool complies with privacy regulations, and (5) look at other uses of the iPad in the patient care setting. There has been positive feedback from both patients and physicians regarding the addition of the tablet computer during consultations. In addition to showing patients pictures of cosmetic procedures, the iPad also has various multimedia capabilities such as videos and drawing tools that are useful in optimizing patient satisfaction, increasing clinical efficacy, and improving the overall patient experience. Semin Cutan Med Surg 31:200-202 © 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. KEYWORDS iPad, cosmetic procedures, tablet, cosmetic consultation, patient experience, technology videos, drawings, patient education, dermatology apps, cosmetic patient sat- isfaction, cosmetic photography he ever-expanding uses of portable tablet computers in iPad can be implemented and used by patients and physi- Tthe education of clinicians and medical students is a cians in consultations, compare the advantages and disad- well-documented phenomenon.1-2 Additionally, these de- vantages of the iPad with other forms of technology, discuss vices are increasingly seen in the clinical setting as a reference the optimal means of using the iPad for patient care, see how tool.2-5 However, there is limited literature of their use in the this tool complies with privacy regulations, and look at other clinical setting for patient education.
    [Show full text]
  • The Effects of Tablets on Learning: Does Studying from a Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels" (2015)
    Claremont Colleges Scholarship @ Claremont CMC Senior Theses CMC Student Scholarship 2015 The ffecE ts of Tablets on Learning: Does Studying from a Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels Devin M. Nishizaki Claremont McKenna College Recommended Citation Nishizaki, Devin M., "The Effects of Tablets on Learning: Does Studying from a Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels" (2015). CMC Senior Theses. Paper 1011. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/1011 This Open Access Senior Thesis is brought to you by Scholarship@Claremont. It has been accepted for inclusion in this collection by an authorized administrator. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Running head: THE EFFECT OF TABLETS ON LEARNING Claremont McKenna College The Effect of Tablets on Learning: Does Studying from a Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels? SUBMITTED TO DR. GABRIEL COOK AND DEAN NICHOLAS WARNER BY DEVIN M. NISHIZAKI FOR SENIOR THESIS FALL 2014 DECEMBER 1, 2014 2 THE EFFECT OF TABLETS ON LEARNING The Effect of Tablets on Learning: Does Studying from a Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels? Devin M. Nishizaki Claremont McKenna College 3 THE EFFECT OF TABLETS ON LEARNING Abstract In recent years, students and educators alike have utilized new technologies such as tablet computers as a means of enhancing the learning process. While prior research suggests that these implementations within the classroom provide a new and beneficial method of relaying and learning information, scientists have begun to explore the possible side effects that these technologies have on the learning process. Although much of the current literature suggests that learning from an electronic screen does not affect efficacy compared to learning from printed text (Bayliss et al., 2012; Dundar & Akcayir, 2012), researchers continue to explore the possible consequences that using said technologies may have in academia.
    [Show full text]
  • 2011-2015 Technology Plan Was Developed to Frame the College Vision of Technology and Its Relationship to Our Mission and Strategic Plan
    Technology Plan 2011-2015 Dr. Diane Call Interim President Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................ 1 I. Background—History and Recent Technological Advances ................................................................................................. 2 2005-2009 Technology Plan ........................................................................................................................................ 2 II. Vision of the College as it Relates to Technology—what is and what will be ...................................................................... 2 The Mission Statement and Technology .................................................................................................................... 2 Strategic Plan ............................................................................................................................................................... 2 Survey Results .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 Technology – A Definition .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Funding .......................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Long Queues for Ipad 2 in China 6 May 2011, by Fran Wang
    Long queues for iPad 2 in China 6 May 2011, by Fran Wang day. By 5:00 pm, queues had waned, but the glassfront store was still jammed with customers including 22-year-old Flora Wang, who said she wanted to buy an iPad but was still deciding whether to buy the original model or the updated one. "The screen is so big," said Wang, as she played a game and browsed the online app of Spanish fashion brand Zara. Customers check out the newly released Apple iPad 2 in The iPad was also on sale at authorised dealers in Hong Kong last week. Apple fans queued up for hours China, such as electronics chain stores, but was Friday in China to snap up the iPad 2 as the updated not available late Friday on Apple's online store for version of the popular tablet computer went on sale in China. the world's biggest Internet market. China has a booming grey market for Apple products to satisfy pent-up demand -- perhaps Apple fans queued up for hours Friday in China to prompting the California-based high-tech giant to snap up the iPad 2 as the updated version of the gradually shorten the lag time between the US and popular tablet computer went on sale in the world's China launches of its coveted gadgets. biggest Internet market. The iPhone officially went on sale in China in Apple's four stores in Beijing and Shanghai began October 2009 -- more than two years after its US offering the Wi-Fi model of the lighter, thinner, launch.
    [Show full text]
  • Laptop Or Tablet Summer Use Agreement Laptop Or Tablet Computer Summer Loan Acknowledgment of Responsibility
    Laptop or Tablet Summer Use Agreement You are being assigned a district inventoried laptop and/or tablet computer for your approved summer administrative or curriculum project(s). As such, you must agree to the following terms: You adhere to all the terms and conditions of the Solvay Union Free School District’s Use of District Laptop/Tablets or Tablet Computing Devices to Support District Educational Programs and Acceptable Computer and Internet Use Policy for Employees. Signed copies of both agreements are on file in the district office. 1. Laptops and/or tablet computers will be loaned to staff members only with approval from the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. 2. You are responsible for the security and condition of the laptop and/or tablet computer and agree to incur any costs due to theft, loss, or damage to it that may occur while it is on loan to you. 3. Due to summer cleaning and learning activities, laptop and/or tablet computers may not be stored in any school offices or classrooms overnight or on weekends. 4. You are to keep any assigned laptop and/or tablet computer at your home, or ask to have it locked in the main office of the school building when not in use. If you choose to leave it at school, you must contact the building administrator and turn it over to him/her to ensure secure storage. If you choose not to keep your assigned laptop and/or tablet computer over the summer, please turn it in to the Technology Coordinator (Mike Lanckton) or System’s Administrator (Matt Dean) before the last scheduled workday.
    [Show full text]
  • The Effects of Tablets on Learning: Does Studying from a Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels" (2015)
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Scholarship@Claremont Claremont Colleges Scholarship @ Claremont CMC Senior Theses CMC Student Scholarship 2015 The ffecE ts of Tablets on Learning: Does Studying from a Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels Devin M. Nishizaki Claremont McKenna College Recommended Citation Nishizaki, Devin M., "The Effects of Tablets on Learning: Does Studying from a Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels" (2015). CMC Senior Theses. Paper 1011. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/1011 This Open Access Senior Thesis is brought to you by Scholarship@Claremont. It has been accepted for inclusion in this collection by an authorized administrator. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Running head: THE EFFECT OF TABLETS ON LEARNING Claremont McKenna College The Effect of Tablets on Learning: Does Studying from a Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels? SUBMITTED TO DR. GABRIEL COOK AND DEAN NICHOLAS WARNER BY DEVIN M. NISHIZAKI FOR SENIOR THESIS FALL 2014 DECEMBER 1, 2014 2 THE EFFECT OF TABLETS ON LEARNING The Effect of Tablets on Learning: Does Studying from a Tablet Computer Affect Student Learning Differently Across Educational Levels? Devin M. Nishizaki Claremont McKenna College 3 THE EFFECT OF TABLETS ON LEARNING Abstract In recent years, students and educators alike have utilized new technologies such as tablet computers as a means of enhancing the learning process. While prior research suggests that these implementations within the classroom provide a new and beneficial method of relaying and learning information, scientists have begun to explore the possible side effects that these technologies have on the learning process.
    [Show full text]
  • The History of the Ipad
    Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association Volume 2015 Article 3 2016 The iH story of the iPad Michael Scully Roger Williams University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://docs.rwu.edu/nyscaproceedings Part of the Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Journalism Studies Commons, and the Mass Communication Commons Recommended Citation Scully, Michael (2016) "The iH story of the iPad," Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association: Vol. 2015 , Article 3. Available at: http://docs.rwu.edu/nyscaproceedings/vol2015/iss1/3 This Conference Paper is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at DOCS@RWU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association by an authorized editor of DOCS@RWU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The iH story of the iPad Cover Page Footnote Thank you to Roger Williams University and Salve Regina University. This conference paper is available in Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association: http://docs.rwu.edu/ nyscaproceedings/vol2015/iss1/3 Scully: iPad History The History of the iPad Michael Scully Roger Williams University __________________________________________________________________ The purpose of this paper is to review the history of the iPad and its influence over contemporary computing. Although the iPad is relatively new, the tablet computer is having a long and lasting affect on how we communicate. With this essay, I attempt to review the technologies that emerged and converged to create the tablet computer. Of course, Apple and its iPad are at the center of this new computing movement.
    [Show full text]