Hiroko Akatsu

Operational Assistance for Elderly People by Using Audio Rhythms.

Recently, Information Technology (IT) machines with complicated function are requiring better user assistance, particularly for elderly people. It is necessary to reduce the psychological load such as a sense of insecurity and impatience in operation, as well as the cognitive load. One approach to reduce psychological load is voice guidance. However many elderly people may become confused due to the speed of guidance. Sometimes it is too fast or too slow. Ideally it must synchronize to the users operational pace reflecting context of use. This research focuses on enhanced operational rhythm to reduce psychological load on the elderly when using a Multiple Function Printer (MFP), which requires the user to navigate between quite a few settings. Evaluation was carried out by observing elderly subjects using an MFP interface whilst hearing a metronome at a tempo of 40, 60 and 120 bpm (beats per minute). The number of operational errors and overall time taken were recorded along with subjective evaluation via interviews with the subjects. The results showed that providing audio rhythm is effective, however a rhythm which is too fast produces a negative effect.

Auditory and Visual Guidance for Reducing Cognitive Load

Auditory and visual guidance are often used as means to make IT equipment easier to use and decrease cognitive load. However, the effective use of the guidance is not yet clarified. Accordingly, there is a case that the guidance disturbs user operation because of inappropriate use of guidance. This paper discusses the effective use of auditory and visual guidance to reduce users cognitive loads through experiments with simulated ATM systems.

Relationship Between Users’ Operational Characteristics and User Interfaces: Study of the Multi-function Printer

When the interface of a system targets various user groups, it will be designed on classifications ranging from novice to experienced based on the prospective users’ experience, knowledge, and skill levels. Since mobile devices are increasingly used to remotely operate various systems nowadays, it is possible to develop and provide a selection of interfaces for them. A comfortable and highly satisfying usage experience can be provided by giving users by means to choose their own preferred interface from a variety which has been prepared.

Operational Assistance for Elderly People Using a Rhythm System

Information Technology machines as MFPs (Multiple Function Printers) and ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) with complicated functions require better user assistance, particularly for elderly people. It is necessary to reduce psychological loads such as a sense of insecurity or impatience in operation, as well as the cognitive load.