Mapping of user interfaces on electronic appliances

Appl Ergon. 2007 Sep;38(5):667-74. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2005.05.015. Epub 2006 Sep 26.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate mapping of user interfaces on consumer electronic appliances. A digital clock with five different interface modes was chosen for the experiment. Forty elderly subjects (above 65 years) and 40 middle-aged subjects (45-64 years) participated in the study. Every subject had to complete three different tasks, namely time setting, alarm time setting and date setting. The researchers investigated what problems were encountered when performing these tasks and collected data such as operational time, the number of total inputs, subjective estimation and interview information. The findings of this study indicated that the interface modes had significant effects on operational time, the number of total inputs and subjective estimation. Finally, the study confirms that when the spatial relationship between buttons and display contents are clearly indicated, the operation is easier to complete.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Electronics*
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Housing
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Taiwan
  • Task Performance and Analysis*
  • User-Computer Interface*