Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Simple movements are recommended, such as clicking instead of dragging.
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Text input should be avoided or replaced with other simpler input actions.
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An undo function is needed to correct errors.
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Simultaneous multimodal input such as the combination of speech and other input
should be avoided or replaced.
2.5
Attention and Concentration
Elderly persons are more easily distracted by details or noise (cf. [14]). They show
great difficulty maintaining divided attention, where attention must be paid to more
than one aspect at a time (cf. [15]). Therefore, the following points are suggested:
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Only relevant images should be used.
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Items should not be displayed simultaneously.
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Unified or similar fonts, colors and sizes of displayed texts are recommended.
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Changes on the user interface should be emphasized in an obvious way.
2.6
Memory Functionalities
Different memory functions decline at different degrees during ageing. Short term
memory holds fewer items while ageing and declines earlier; also more time is needed
to process information (cf. [16]). Working memory also becomes less efficient (cf.
[17]). Semantic information is believed to be preserved in long term memory for a
longer period(cf. [18]). To compensate the decline of the different memory functions,
the following points are suggested:
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Pure image items should be avoided or placed near relevant key words.
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Presented items in a sequence should not exceed five, the average maximum ca-
pacity of short term memory of elderly persons.
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Information should be categorized to assist storage into long term memory.
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Context sensitive information is necessary to facilitate working memory activities.
2.7
Intellectual Ability
Fluid intelligence does decline with ageing, while, crystallized intelligence does
not or to a less extent (cf. [19]); it can assist elderly people to perform better in a
stable well-known interface environment. Thus, we suggest assuring the following
points:
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Unified interface layout, where changes should only happen on data level.
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Semantically intuitive structure, where users should not be too surprised while
traversing the interaction levels.
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Consistent interaction style facilitates learning and assist elderly to master interface
use.
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