Perceived Affordances in Older People with Dementia: Designing Intuitive Product Interfaces

Li-Hao Chen,Yi-Chien Liu,Pei-Jung Cheng,L.H Chen,Y Kondo

doi:10.1051/matecconf/201822102001

Li-Hao Chen, Yi-Chien Liu + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201822102001

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between intuitive interactions and perceived affordances in product interfaces among older people with dementia. Experiments were conducted by examining the cooking time in the user interfaces of microwave ovens, and the participants involved 25 older people with mild dementia. The results showed that a simple arrangement of bottoms was more desirable for presenting visual information, but the usabilities of these interfaces were undesirable.

Highlights

Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition among the elderly
This study examined intuitive interactions between older people with dementia and user interfaces from the perspectives of perceived affordances
The results showed that simple user interfaces are more likely to elicit intuitive reactions among older people with dementia, but this does not necessarily equate to facilitating the intuitive use of such interfaces

Summary

Introduction

Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition among the elderly. In most patients, dementia begins with the atrophy of the hippocampus, which is closely associated with memories. This study started with improving the intuitiveness of product interface designs can alleviate the problems that older patients with dementia are faced with in operating common everyday products. This enables such patients with dementia to experience a more independent live and decreases the burden of their family members and relevant healthcare personnel, thereby enhancing the quality of life. The motor and cognitive skills of older people with dementia differ from those of ordinary users As their cognitive ability deteriorates or fails completely, such patients may rely increasingly on their innate perceptions to interact with the external environment. The perspectives of direct perceptions and intuitive, natural interactions noted by the theory of affordances are highly applicable to the design of user interfaces for older people with dementia and exhibit tremendous development potentials. The relationship between intuitive interactions and perceived affordances was examined

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