Abstract
Usability trials were carried out with a simulation of an early version of an intelligent thermostat interface. The multimodal interaction dialog took place in speech, sound, graphics and touch. Usability of new concepts of interaction was assessed. Most user behavior and problems of use were equal for old and young subjects (between 25 and 73 years of age). Relative high usability was observed with the new interaction styles, in particular with the task-based dialog and with the suggestions given by the thermostat. Even the oldest subjects could accomplish complicated programming. Age-dependent differences in usability were found for certain interface details, such as finding a hidden menu item. The summarized typical "modern" interaction details, which caused problems, were significantly less usable for the older cohort (over 59 years of age), compared to the young (under 46 years of age).
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