Evaluation of Touch-Based Interface Design for the Elderly Based on Cultural Differences

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the cross-cultural differences of the elderly preferences on touch-based interface design. Hofstede's theory of cultural dimensions [3] was used as the theoretical framework to guide this study. In this study, different age groups of Korean and Indonesian elderly were recruited to do the usability testing of a touch-based interface design. A prototype was designed with the culture-related features to compare their preferences. Value Survey Module (VSM) 2013 was used to collect their cultural dimensions scores. Usability rating questionnaires were used to measure their satisfaction scores toward the prototype. The interface features rating questionnaire was distributed to collect their preferences toward the touch-based interface design. The objectives of this study were: 1. To identify the differences in cultural dimensions scores, 2. To identify the differences in usability testing scores based on Nielsen's evaluation criteria, 3. To identify the differences in touch-based interface design preferences of the elderly based on different cultures. Significant differences are found in the cultural dimensions scores, as well as the touch-based interface features ratings. Significant differences are also found in the usability testing which included four criteria: efficiency, learnability, errors, and satisfaction. The results of this study can be used to improve the design of the touch-based interface for the elderly based on their cultural differences.