Modelling age differences in the interaction with new technology

A descriptive framework was developed to describe the problem-solving behaviour of young and old subjects when they learn to use a new interactive device. The model distinguishes three levels of problem-solving that are thought to differ with respect to the cognitive load they pose to the user. Given a higher number of inputs by young subjects, protocol analysis shows elderly subjects to perform more actions on the level of low cognitive load, and less on the level of high cognitive load. Across age groups experience serves mostly to decrease the less purposeful behaviour.