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Abstract

Age-related physical and sensory decrements can influence user requirements for consumer technologies. The present study investigated several factors related to keypad design, a common means of interfacing with a variety of consumer systems ranging from mobile phones to ATMs. Participants performed a series of data entry tasks using an experimental keypad and a standard keypad. Performance data and subjective ratings were collected. The results suggest that performance was generally better when using the experimental keypad versus a standard keypad. In addition, participants preferred using the experimental keypad to a standard keypad. The results suggest that further consideration of age-related sensory and performance decrements is necessary when designing keypad interfaces. Based on these data, a series of guidelines for keypad design were developed.

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Keypads for the Elderly

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