Cognitive aging and rich internet applications: Usability problems of Ajax based on the empirical study of older adults

Authors: HARA, YUUKI; KASHIMURA, KAORI

Source: Japanese Psychological Research, Volume 52, Number 3, September 2010 , pp. 216-226(11)

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Abstract:

Ajax is a new technology that supports asynchronous input-output of data and has better operability and more representational power than simple HTML. For all users to take advantage of it, Ajax needs to be presented in a way that is easy to use. In this study, three experiments were conducted using usability testing methods. We identified several usability problems of Ajax websites for older adults ( Experiment 1) and created some possible design solutions for three of the problems related to the essential features of rich internet applications like Ajax. We then tested these solutions ( Experiments 2 and 3) to demonstrate the effectiveness of the three design strategies applied to them.

Keywords: cognitive aging; rich internet applications; usability; web design; older adults

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5884.2010.00439.x

Affiliations: 1: Software Division, Hitachi, Ltd

Publication date: 2010-09-01