Effects of User Age and Zoomable User Interfaces on Information Searching Tasks in a Map-Type Space

Abstract

A zoomable user interface (ZUI) is a useful function to help users deal with large information spaces displayed within a screen. However, ZUI usability has not been sufficiently studied. Its problems may be more crucial for older users than younger ones. This study examined the effects of three zoom foci (original-center, re-center and dynamic) and two zoom scales (100% and 400%) for the younger and older adults on mouse-based information searching tasks in a map-type space. Twenty four subjects participated in the experiments by answering a pair of questions. Task completion time, number of operations and number of errors were measured, and a satisfaction rate was collected. Older adults used the ZUIs less efficiently than younger ones. The effects of zoom focus methods varied with the zoom scales regardless of the age groups. The participants preferred using the dynamic focus regardless of zoom scale and using the re-center focus with the 400% scale. We discuss potential implications of the age-related performance differences and the effects of ZUI functions, and suggest some ZUI design guidelines in conclusion.

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