The Effect of Vibrotactile Feedback on Novice Older Adults in Target Selection Tasks

Abstract

In this study, older adults are examined as computer users, their characteristics and problems they are facing with computer systems are described; utilization of vibrotactile feedback mouse in graphical user interfaces is proposed to enhance their computer usability experience. An original Fitts experiment variation with 9 participants (mean age 69.67), who are novice computer users without any health related issues which may interfere with performance, has been done and the results of 2880 trials were analyzed. Results indicated that in vibrotactile mode, subjects completed the tasks faster (60%) and increased their target selection performances measured by Fitts' index of performance (43%, p<0.05).