Promoting Successful Computer use by Older Adults: Input Devices and Experienced Users

Abstract

This experiment looked at the use of two input devices (mouse and light pen) for younger, middle-aged, and older adults who were experienced mouse users. We asked participants to use both their preferred and non-preferred hand to perform a pure pointing task and then to rate the ease of use and acceptability of the device they were using in the hand they were using it as well as their perceived work load across trials. We found that using a light pen minimized age differences, that differences between the preferred and non-preferred hand became more apparent with age so that older adults were less efficient using their non-preferred hand than were younger adults, and that older adults gained more from practice. Overall, the mouse was rated as more acceptable than the light pen across trials even though the light pen was more efficient. Finally, recommendations are made for ease of use, acceptability, and performance.