Using Direct and Indirect Input Devices: Attention Demands and Age-Related Differences.

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Cognitive Psychology
• Usability Engineering

Background:

• Attention is a key factor in predicting user performance with input devices.
• Previous research has not directly assessed the attention demands of different input devices.
• The relationship between task requirements, device characteristics, and attentional load is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the attentional demands of input devices.
• To determine if matching input device characteristics to on-screen task requirements influences attentional load.
• To examine the impact of age and attention availability on the importance of task-device matching.

Main Methods:

• A study involving younger and older adults using direct (touch screen) and indirect (rotary encoder) input devices.
• Participants performed tasks with matched or mismatched input requirements under varying attention allocation conditions.
• Attention demands and task performance were measured across different conditions.

Main Results:

• Input devices demonstrably require attention, with older adults showing higher demands, particularly in mismatch situations.
• Task performance was significantly influenced by the match between task demands and input device characteristics.
• Both age groups benefited from a task-device match, but older adults experienced greater benefits, especially with reduced attention.

Conclusions:

• The attentional demands of input devices are linked to their match with task requirements.
• Matching input devices to task requirements is particularly important for older adults and in situations with limited attention.
• An a priori method for selecting input devices based on attribute-requirement overlap is proposed, with implications for age-inclusive design.