The Usability and Acceptability of Tablet Computers for Older People in Thailand and the United Kingdom

Abstract

This study investigated the usability and acceptability of tablet computers for older people in Thailand and the United Kingdom. Although some research has shown that older people can use tablet computers easily, other research has found that tablets are difficult to use for them particularly because of problems with the interaction styles. A study with ten participants in Thailand and eight in the UK was conducted, aged from 61 to 81 years old (mean age 67.9 years). Four of the UK participants and six of the Thai participants had used tablet computers before. All participants were able to complete a series of website tasks; however, some encountered problems such as text which was too small and color contrast between text and background that was not sufficiently clear. In addition, when participants zoomed, they tended to lose information and orientation on the webpage. Most participants found tapping, and zooming on the tablet very easy, but some had problems with tapping. This was possibly because their hands are drier than younger people’s. In particular, they found tapping on labels on webpages difficult. All participants had positive attitudes towards tablet computers and either enjoy use them or think they would enjoy using them. Some participants felt that tablet computers are easier and more convenient than desktop computers for them to use. Finally, contrary to expectations, participants preferred the concurrent verbal protocol to the retrospective verbal protocol.