The Design of interface and function of cellular phones for old people

Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT Scholar Works

Theses

Thesis/Dissertation Collections

2004

The Design of interface and function of cellular

phones for old people

Yusuke Oda

Follow this and additional works at:

http://scholarworks.rit.edu/theses

This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Thesis/Dissertation Collections at RIT Scholar Works. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses by an authorized administrator of RIT Scholar Works. For more information, please [email protected].

Recommended Citation

The Design

of

Interface

and

Function

of

Cellular

Phones for Old

People

By

Yusuke

Oda

Thesis

submitted

in

partial

fulfillment

of

the

requirements

for

the

degree

of

Master

of

Science in Information

Technology

Rochester Institute

of

Technology

B.

Thomas

Golisano College

of

Computing

and

Information

Sciences

Thesis Reproduction Permission Form

Rochester Institute of Technology

B. Thomas Golisano College

of

Computing and Information Sciences

Master of Science in Information Technology

The Design of Interface and Function of Cellular

Phones for Old People

I, Yusuke Oda, hereby grant permission to the Wallace Library of the Rochester

Institute of Technology to reproduce my thesis in whole or in part. Any

reproduction

must not be for commercial use or profit.

Acknowledgments

I am grateful to chair Professor Elouise R.

Oyzon,

committee member ProfessorAnne

Haake,

and committee member _{Professor Charlie Border for giving} me valuable advice. In

addition,I am grateful to cooperators ofthe _surveyabout cellularphones, and testerswho ran the

TableofContents

Abstract 1

Chapter 1 Introduction 2

Chapter 2 The problem ofthe present cellular phones 5

2-_{1 Theanalysis aboutthe}

present state of cellular phones 6

2-1-1 Hardware interface design 6

2-1-2 Software Interface 9

2-1-3 Function 12

2-1-4Concept 13

2-2 Thequestionnaire _survey 16

2-2-1 Results ofthe_survey 18

Chapter 3 Results ofthe _usabilitytest anddiscussion aboutthecellular phone 26

3-1 Interface 26

3-1-1 Software Interface 26

3-1-1-1 The Menu 28

3-1-1-2TheTelephonefunction 30

3-1-1-3 The E-Mail function 31

3-1-1-4The various

Set-up

functions 32

3-1-1-5The function of personalinformation 33

3-1-2The_usabilitytest 34

3-1-2-1 Methods 34

3-1-3 Hardware Interface 36

3-2Function ₃₉

3-2-1 The voice function 39

3-2-2Medical treatment

by

cellular phones 41

3-2-3 Theguidance of_{changingtrains}

and payment ofthe trainfare

by

cellular phones 44

Chapter 4Conclusion ₄₉

Table 1 The Comparison Percentagesofindividual over60 in 2000 vs. 2050 5

Figure 1 An interface of

"i-mode"

2

Figure 2 Avideogame of cellular phones 3

Figure 3 Theposition ofbuttons

(Panasonic)

₈

Figure 4 Ageneral interfaceofcellular phones 10

Figure 5 A badand goodexample ofinterface ₁₁

Figure 6 The situation of_usingcellularphonesin Japan 2001 14

Figure 7 Cellularphones ofFinland ₁₅

Figure 8-1 Percentagesof_ownershipofcellularphones 18

Figure 8-2 Thepercentages ofthereasons ₁₉

Figure 8-3 Thepercentages of usage of cellular phones 19

Figure 8-4 Thepercentages ofthereason 22

Figure 10The comparisonofthe sizeof characters 28

Figure 10-1 The menuscreen oftheprototypeinterface 29

Figure 10-2 The menu screen ofthe telephonefunction 30

Figure 10-3 Themenu screen ofthee-mail function 31

Figure 10-4 Themenu screen ofthe various set_{up function} 32

Figure 10-5 Themenu screen ofthe functionof personal information 33

Figure 11 Jog-Dial ofcellularphones 29

Figure 12Theexampleofthemedical treatment

by

cellular phones 43

Figure 13 Thepercentage of

family

structure_regardingolder people

whoare over65 yearsold 45

Figure 14 The two-dimensional barcode 48

Figure 15 Guidance for changingtrains

Abstract:

Acellular phoneis hardto handleforolder people in terms ofinterface andfunction. In

this _thesis, the word

"interface"

stands forhardware and software interface and the word "older

people"

refers to Japanese people who are over 60 years old.

Fundamentally,

the interface must

be easy to handle and convenient. In _addition, it must _{be easy}to access all ofthe functions that

the user needs.

However,

it is questionable whether the interface and function of the present

cellular phones are

taking

olderpeopleintoconsideration.

Thus,

the purpose of this thesis is to consider new interface design and function of

cellular phones forolder people. This paperwill focus on an interface design andfunction foran

old person whose eyesight and

hearing

are

beginning

to weaken and an old person who is not

dexterousandcannot

freely

move his/her hands likea_youngperson.

Firstof _all, currentstate of affairs of cellularphones willbe examined andthe problems

older people have with the present designs and functions of cellular phones will be considered.

Therefore,

a Web site that explains a hardware

interface,

a software

interface,

and function of

cellular phoneis shown.

Moreover,

will be clarifiedthe problems thatcellularphones present to

older people onthe basis of a survey.

Finally,

basedon the results ofthe _survey ofolder_people,

the interface design andfunctions that must be equipped with cellular phones _using figures will

1. Introduction:

Many

people _{have been using cellular phones as a means of} communication in many

countries since

they

appeared on the market globally. For the past three or four years, cellular

phones have made remarkable progress since the "i-mode" _service, which is a packet-based

information serviceforcellular_phones, startedin 1999. Figure 1 shows an

"i-mode"

[image:9.542.143.418.205.314.2]

interface.

Figure 1: An interfaceof

"i-mode"

The "i-mode" provides Web

browsing,

e-mail, calendar, chat, games, online _shopping and

banking,

ticket reservation, and customized news, and

"i-mode"

uses a _proprietary system that

uses a subset of

HTML,

known as Compact HTML (CHTML). Asa_result, cellularphones have

been used not _only astelephones butalso as amulti-functional devices.

However,

functions and

interfaces forolder people were not considered important. Forexample, thefunction represented

by

"i-mode" targets _mainly younger people, and

"i-mode"

is an important part of the realm of

mobile multimedia

(Enoki,

2001).

Therefore,

fromthe standpoint of olderpeople, afunctionlike

"i-mode"

isnotimportant.

In addition, a portable device like a cellular phone, which is easy to _carry, must be

designedsothat itcan _{be easily handled}

by

anyone.

However,

inthe current stateof_affairs,most

companies'

target is younger people. For _example, a web site that cellular phone users can

download music _{has only} music foryounger people with theircellularphones, and a video game

is installed in cellular phones as standard. For example, a popular video game _among younger

people in Japan thatis "Final Fantasy"

and "Dragon Quest"

are installed in acellular phone (as

[image:10.542.49.497.197.380.2]

shown in Figure 2).

Figure 2: Avideo gameofcellularphones

Theses examples suggest that the main target of cellular phones is younger people. In

addition, as forthe design of

interface,

the cellular phone companies target younger people too.

The interface influences a

handling

of all of cellular phone's functions because these are run

through theinterface.

Therefore,

thedesignofinterfaceis important.

As forasoftware interface design of cellular_phones, although theinterface thatis based

on Graphical User Interface

(GUI)

like

desktop

computers is not useful for a person who has

poor sight

by

thelimitedsize of

display,

mostinterfaces areusedGUI interface. The size ofLCD

is from 176x198 to 240x320pixels.

no-good. Forexample, aresearchertalks that "Incomparisonto

desktop

systems, mobile and

wearable devicesthathave limitedscreen are _generallyrestricted.

Therefore,

it is hardtodesign

purelygraphical orvisual interfacesthatwork well underthesemobile

circumstances."

(Joanna,

2003). Onthe other

hand,

_myopinionthat GUI interface isnot usefulis similarto other

researchers'

inthat the GUI interface isnot useful because a

display

is toosmall but becausean

interface isnotimproved inorderto suit.

Asforahardware

interface,

thisis restricted

by

the limited

body

size, and_many

functions mustbeassignedto the samebuttons. This factormakesoperation complicatedfora

person who isnotdexterous.

Therefore,

some researcherstalkaboutvarioushardware interfaces

thatare much easiertohandleanddifferent fromcurrenthardware interface. Forexample, a

researchertalks that"Unlike

desktop

computers,input devices formobile computers areoften

restricted

by

the limitedsize.

Therefore,

theresearcherproposes anewinputdevice formobile

devices,

called

PreSense."

(Jun,

2003).

However,

myapproach is differentfrom other

researchers'

in thataformofhardware interface is not changed.

My

approach is not to change the form but to change the balance of button size and

buttons'

spacing in orderto improvecellular

phones'

handling.

Currently,

thereis adigital divide

in cellular phones between a person who can use them and a person who _{cannot, especially,}

between younger and older people.

However,

according to areport, which was published

by

the

United Nations

(UN)

in Table 1(UN Population Division

2002),

in most advanced _countries,

such as

Japan,

the United

States,

and West European countries, there will be an

increasingly

aging society.

Accordingly,

the consideration of older people will become more important.

Judging

from the features ofcellularphones thatare carried_easily

by

even older_{people, there} is

Thus a cellular phone must be equipped with the interface and functions that are designed for

them.

Consequently,

the interface and function will lead to an _{opportunity for} a solution

regarding thedigital divide ofcellular phones.

Peopleof60 years and_up

Country

Year

2000 2050

Canada 16.7% 32.2%

Finland 19.9% 32.3%

France 20.5% 32.3%

Germany

23.2% 34.5%

Italy

24.1% 40.6%

Japan 23.3% 42.4%

Sweden 22.3% 33.6%

United Kingdom 20.7% 29.6%

[image:12.542.35.507.154.498.2]

UnitedStatesofAmerica 16.1% 25.5%

Table 1: TheComparison Percentagesofindividual over60 in 2000vs. 2050.

2. Theproblem ofthepresent cellular phones:

The question wehave toask here is to whatdegree olderpeoplein Japan are considered

in the design of cellularphones.

Basically,

the target audience of products influences the design

and features ofthat product.

Therefore,

in this chapterfirst considers the current state of affairs

of the hardware

interface,

the software

interface,

_the

functions,

and the differences between

Japanese and_{Finnish regarding} the targetbrackets of cellular phones. In addition,Iwouldlike to

clarifythe problems of older people on thebasisoftheresultsof a survey.

2-1. Theanalysis about thepresent state of cellular phones

2-1-1. Hardware interface design

The hardware features of cellular _phone, interfaces are to provide a digital camera, to

enlarge aLiquid Crystal

Display

(LCD),

andalarge number ofbuttons. J-phone

(Vodafone)

was

the _{first company}that equipped cellular phones with adigital camerain order tobegin theirnew

service that was called "Sya mail". The service was started in 2001. The service was to attach a

photograph, which was taken _using the digital camera of cellular _{phones, to}e-mail. The service

was a great _success; as a result, Vodafone expanded the market share of cellular phone sales in

Japan.

Inevitably,

other companies began to _equiptheircellularphones with adigital camera. At

firstthe digital camera was _only able to take a photograph.

However,

the present digital camera

has made progress, so thatitcan also record video animation;

besides,

somedigital cameras can

function as apart of aTV-phone. Almostall ofthe cellularphoneson salein Japan atthe present

are equipped with a digital camera; some of them are mega-pixel.

Judging

from the fact that

about 93% cellular phones that were sold from 2002 to 2003 areequipped with digital _cameras,

the

tendency

to_equipcellular phones with digitalcameras will continue to grow.

As for the

LCD,

the present biggest

display

is 2.4 inches (a length of diagonal). This

LCD size is about one-and-one-half times as large as its size of two or three years ago. In

enlargement of it is a good improvement for not _only younger people but also older people.

Similarly,

it is a good improvement for the LCD to become

highly

efficient because it can

display

larger and clearer characters and pictures. In addition, the larger displays support the

solutionof_{usability issues. As} a_{consequence, everyone can} lookatcharacters and pictures more

easily.

On the other

hand,

_regarding the digital camerait isnot always a goodimprovementfor

older people. Certainly, people can do a _{larger variety} ofthings withcellular phones that have a

digital camera; for

instance,

people can send and take pictures and video

by

_{only carrying}

cellular phones. To takean _example, peoplewho cannot often meet with eachotherbecause

they

live at a distance can geta visual confirmationiftheircontacts havea digital camera. This usage

mustbe ofgreat value to olderparents and _grown-up children because most families donot live

with their parents in

Japan,

a so-called "nuclear

family."

This is a term used in cultural

anthropology, anditmeans theimmediate

family

of

husband,

wife, andchildren only.

It is necessaryto _{handle many buttons} when people wantto usethe various functionsof

cellular phones.

Moreover,

it is not_easy to make the

body

of cellularphones larger because

they

are

basically

designed with the premisethat

they

are portable devices and can be usedwith _only

one hand.

Certainly,

some people use cellular phones with both hands.

However,

the width of

cellular phones haschangedfrom 46 to51 mm, andit isnot enough widthto use withboth hands.

Ifcellular phones are designed to use both

hands,

the width of cellularphones should be wider

than present's like portable game machines. As a consequence, there is a

tendency

to increase

both the

handling

andthe numbers ofbuttons. To take an example_regarding the

buttons,

Figure

[image:15.542.89.440.45.349.2]

Figure 3: Theposition ofbuttons

(Panasonic)

That

is,

people need to use both the front and the side buttons in order to use their phones

efficiently.

Therefore,

there is not much merit for older people because those who are not

generally manually dexterous cannot _efficiently use various functions

including

the digital

camera. In addition, it is

likely

that to _equip a cellular phone with a digital camera does not

benefit them _considering an increase in cost and weight. In

Japan,

the income of almost people

over 60 years old is mainly their pension

(Ministry

of

Health,

Labor and

Welfare,

1997).

Therefore, they

tend to avoid all _unnecessarycosts.

Up

to this point, it is clear that there is some merit for older people to used advanced

LCDs because

they

can _clearly see a picture and characters easier

by

_{enlarging LCD.} On the

cameraforthe_{elderly because} of_{cost, weight,} and

handling

consideration.

2-1-2.Software Interface:

Almost all ofthe present main-menu interface of cellularphones usedis Graphical User

Interface (GUI). Because of_using

icons,

the GUIgives the impression that_{it is easy}to handle at

the

beginning

compared with an interface using characters.

However,

the present LCD size of

cellular phones that are on sale _{is mostly 2.1 inches. Forthat reason, information using}the GUI

that is displayed on the LCD at the same time is decreased

by

restriction of the LCD size.

Therefore, it is necessary forpeople tochoose icons andmenus on theLCD overand overagain

in order to access the function that the user needs. Also present cellular phones have many

functions. On the other

hand,

suppose that more _{information simultaneously is displayed} on the

LCD. Iconsmustbecomesmallerand, as aresult, difficultto see. This is not_easyto useforolder

people _considering their physical disabilities. The

following

lists commonphysical problems of

older people(The physical_abilityof olderpeopel;

Masaka,

2004).

>

Weakening

eyesight and/orhearing.

r-Thedeclineofdiscernmentbetweencolors.

'r- _{Thedeterioration of memory.}

> Lossofmovementinhands andfingers.

> The deterioration of input speed and the increased likelihood oferrors on

pushbutton handling.

The physical _ability gets worse with their

increasing

years. As for the

handling

of

buttons, mistakes tend toincrease ifthe buttonsizebecomes smallerand/orthe spaceis narrower

[image:17.542.133.447.125.349.2]

Figure 4 shows a general interface of cellular _phones, and the left sideis the actual size

oftheinterfaceon the LCD. It is

likely

that the characters andiconsoftheinterface aretoo small

forolder people toread.

I

Ml! .,

m i*:-*.a

'tf*

-<-".,.! _W5orm

Profit-hl n / b wsustm mm.

SSL

4*

J*

4,

_Function

J^

NavfiviBt

Ll'ii

[9TXj-Realsize Expansion

Figure 4:Ageneral interface ofcellular phones

It is said that a person's eyesight begins to fail after 40 years _old, and again _especially,

rapidly over 60 years old. The eyesight weakens about0.3

(20/60)

vision

by

the age of80 (The

lab of older people). In addition, it is difficult for older people to see material that is a short

distance away because of farsightedness due to old age. _{It is necessary} not _only to make the

characters and icons ofthe interface larger but also to decrease the number ofthem displayed at

the sametime tocompensateforthe

failing

eyesightof older people.

As forthecolor ofthe

interface,

some oftheinterface uses a _{combination of colors that}

is easy to distinguish for everyone. For example, if a background of an interface is

black,

a

characteris white andifabackground is

blue,

a character isorange.The arrangement of colors is

is,

the lens oftheireyes become clouded_(Cataract).

Therefore,

whatever

they

seeis reddish and

out of focus. In other _words, there is some _possibility that

they

cannot see distinguish between

the arrangement of colors. Figure 5 shows both good and bad examples of the combination of

colors. The bad example is not clear because of a lack of the contrast of colors between

background and_characters, orbecause the characters ofthe interface aretoo small. Onthe other

hand,

the good exampleis cleardue to thecontrast colors.

Therefore,

it is

likely

thatnot_only old

but also _partially color-blind people can more _easily see an interface with a greater contrast

between colors.

Partially

color-blind people cannot distinguish colors _according to the

combination of colors, for example, the combination of cream-colored and yellow and colors

between yellow and green

(Masaka,

2004).

Certainly,

some of the software interface has well-arranged colors.

However,

it is not

evident whether the interface considers older people. In addition, it is

likely

that the size of

characters is not suitable forolderpeople.

Judging

fromthe present software

interface,

it clearly

doesnotalwaysconsider older people's needs.

s+

1-Y.iUEJa is*

t& f&t _<#

>

%

j0

Ba1lB(fl)1E:37

basf , LrWs M

<^;> .

wk

I^Till

Hi

MENU

<m% _<&

&

| MrttitZ ( I"'

i'M lib

"StZ.3.-m

,

i

7*?

iwm

msi

3~M'-t/-)U _2.-T BOX f-9

[image:18.542.48.505.459.620.2]

Bad Good

2-l-3.Function:

The present functions of cellular phones can be classified into two types. One is a

supporting function as a tool for_{communicating}and theotheris afunction as used foratool for

enjoyment. The tool for_{communicating function} provides an address

book,

e-mail, read e-mails

aloud, an answer-phone, voice _memo, and calling. The enjoyment function offers information

service represented

by

"i-mode"

and

"i-appli",

_checking one's position

by

Global

Positioning

System

(GPS),

_playing the videogames,

downloading

music, watching

TV,

listening

to the FM

radio, _editing a _picture, and

taking

a picture with a digital camera. It is nottoo much to _saythat

all ofthe cellular phones that arenow on sale can function as a toolforenjoyment, and that is a

substantial consideration. In addition, people can get a function that is not installed in their

cellular phones

by installing

_{corresponding} software _using the Universal Serial Bus

(USB)

from

a PC or

downloading

from the Internet at _any time.

However,

the function that people can

download isnot as atool for

talking

but as an enjoyment. From the standpoint of olderpeople, it

is more important for them that the function is not as a tool for enjoyment but as a tool for

talking.

Certainly,

people can do various things _{using only} cellular phones that _{have many}

functionsas atool forenjoyment; forthatpurposeitis necessarythat people can usethe phone's

functionsefficiently.

To take an example, will people who wanttotake apicture

buy

acellular phonethathas

a digital camera? If

they

can use the function of not _only telephone and e-mail but also

taking

and _editing a picture efficiently,

they

may purchase the cellular phones. On the other

hand,

if

they

cannot usethe functions as atool of

talking

oras atool forenjoyment_efficiently,

they

will

not

buy

them. Inotherwords, even ifcellular phones have manyattractive functionslike

taking

a

However,

almost all cellular phones that are now on sale have the functions of a tool for

enjoyment more advanced than ever

before,

_assuming everyone could use all of the functions

efficiently. _{Of 109 models of cellular phones that}

were sold from 2002 to

2003,

and 101 out of

these 109 models (93 _{percent) had} a digital camera. On the other

hand,

the cellular phone that

has afunction of_{reading e-mails aloud as standardis included in onlyone model.}

The function of _reading aloud is very important for older people because

they

have

difficulty

obtaining all oftheir information _{from only} their eyesight.

Nevertheless,

almost none

of the cellular phones have that function. The fact that there is a great _{difference regarding} the

numberofthe cellular phonesthathave adigital cameras orthe function of_readinge-mails aloud

suggests that people the _{supporting function} as text _{reading for} groups such as older _people, is

notconsideredimportant.

2-l-4.Concept:

In

Japan,

the total number of subscribers of cellular phones was 79,281,000 as of

November

30,

2003 andthe diffusion of cellularphones is

62.4%,

anumber derived

by dividing

the total population ofJapan

by

the total number of subscriber of cellular phones (Mobile New

Letter,

2003).

However,

a glance at Figure 6 will reveal that the use of cellular phones has not

10

bo

20

CO

30

40

50

60

?use

nonuse

0 20 40 60

Use Parcentages

[image:21.542.98.464.45.286.2]

80 100

Figure 6: Thesituation of_usingcellularphonesinJapan 2001

In addition, the diffusion ofcellular phones forpeople who are over60 years oldis 16.3% as of

March 2003 (Nikkei market yearbook about IT 2003). This fact clearly shows that the use of

cellular phones has not spread _amongolderpeople. To take an _{example, the} diffusion ofcellular

phones in Finland is about 93% as ofOctober

2003,

and as for older people in their sixties, the

diffusion was about 55% in 1999 (The world news; The Japan

Ministry

of Posts and

Telecommunication,

2001). In the same way, the diffusion of cellular phones was over 80% in

Sweden in

2002,

andthe diffusion _regardingolder peoplein theirsixtieswas about60% in 1999

(The Japan

Ministry

of Posts and Telecommunication, 2001). The fact suggests that cellular

phones have spreadirrespectiveof age in Finland and

Sweden,

which is different from in Japan.

Ofcourse,it is difficult tocompare _{simply Japan} andFinlandor Sweden regarding the diffusion

ofcellularphones because there is a great difference in population and life style between these

countries.

However,

from the standpoint of_efficiency ofthe LCD and thefunctions of

and

"i-appli",

cellular phones of Japan are more advanced than Finland's or Sweden's. For all

that, there is a great difference in the diffusion of cellular phones between them.

Well,

_{why is}

there such a greatdifference?

One of thereasons is how farcellular phone designers have considered olderpeople. In

Finland,

there is a conceptthat is called "designforall"

thatpermeatesdesigners. The conceptis

thatnot_onlycellular phones butalso other productsmustbe designedsothateveryonecan_easily

handle them. In other _words, products are designedwithconsideration forolderpeople. Figure 7

[image:22.542.188.367.275.456.2]

shows a cellular phonefrom Finland.

Figure 7: CellularphonesofFinland

It is

likely

that the cellular phoneiseasiertohandle thanonesfrom Japan becausethe buttonsare

big

compared to ones from Japan. In addition, in Nokia mobile phones, the concept shows

"design for all"

(Aaron,

1998). On the other

hand,

Japan has a

tendency

to design products so

that not everyone can handle easilythem but to instead focus on how to getthe people who are

the targetofcompaniesto purchase theirproducts.

Necessarily,

the _{cellular phone manufacturers}

who range from the older teens to people in their thirties. As a result, it is conceivable that

cellular phones are _considerably widespread _among the targetpeople. On theother

hand,

cellular

phones are not widespread _among older people who are not the target of the manufacturers.

Moreover,

there _{is little possibility} that the cellularphones that are considerate of older people

will appear as

long

asthe_{cellular phone manufacturers continue}to design future.

Up

to thispoint, I have presented_my research on how farthepresent cellular phones are

designed with consideration of older people from four standpoints: the hardware

interface,

the

software

interface,

the

function,

and the concept.

Judging

from these four points, even if the

result was not led

by

_considering ofolder_{people, there}are some good points of cellular phones

for also older _people, for example, enlargement of

display

and the arrangement of colors.

However,

there are _many not-so-good _points, on the whole. It follows from this that present

cellular phones are not _sufficiently considerate of older people and there is still room for

improvement.

2-2. Thequestionnaire survey:

The author conducted a questionnaire _survey about cellularphones on Japanese people

who are over 60 years old and received the _{reply from 38} out of 44 respondents. As for the

survey, therespondents were interviewedabout cellular phones, andtheirresponses were written

down. Those who conducted the _survey asked the respondents and collected theiropinions, and

theytoldthe authorabouttheresults ofthe survey.

years _old, and nine respondents are from 81 to 90 years old. Selected respondents had specific

requirements: tobe over 60 years _{old, spry, and not} senile. As for the condition ofrespondents,

my friends judged. The

following

questions were posed to them in order to _clarify the problem

that _{many elderly have with cellular phone usage.}

1. Do youhaveacellular phone?

2. If_yes,

>

Why

do you chooseto haveone?

> What is themain purpose you useitfor?

r-What has becomeconvenientforyou since you used a cellular phone?

> What kind of problems or complaints do you have with cellular

phones?

3. Ifnot,

>

Why

do youchoose nottohaveone?

4. What kindofinterface orfunction do you expect cellularphones to have in the

future?

As forolderpeople, the survey is performed_using the above questions in anon-random

survey in cooperation with _{my friends. Two} of them have their cellular phones and work at a

home for the aged as _nurses, andothers who have theirpersonal computers and cellular phones

and livewiththeirgrandparents orareincontact withtheirgrandparents. Even ifrespondents did

not have a cellular phone, my friends asked their opinions after

demonstrating

their cellular

2-2-1. Resultsofthesurvey:

The result of this _survey of older _{people, regarding} cellular phones usage, was

performedin November2003. The

following

resultwas summarized.

1. Do youhave a cellularphone?

Figure 8-1 showsthatwhetherrespondentshaveacellular phone or not.

^^H .. 23.60%

IJ

? Yes

No

76.40%^^^m%^^

Figure 8-1: Percentagesof_ownership of cellular phones

/- Yes I have_one. - 9

persons, 23.6%

>

No,

I donothaveone. 29persons,76.4%

2. Ifyes,

2-1.

Why

do you choose tohaveone? [image:25.542.149.412.231.389.2]

11.10%

22.20% ? Reason 1

Reason 2

? Reason 3

[image:26.542.91.398.44.232.2]

66.70%

Figure 8-2: Thepercentages ofthereasons

Reason 1:

My

son ordaughtergaveme acellularphone. 6persons.

Reason 2:

My

friend recommended me to get a cellular phone. -2

persons.

Reason 3: Iwon a cellular phonein a raffle. 1 person.

[image:26.542.86.392.471.661.2]

2-2. What isthe main purposeyouuseit for?

Figure 8-3 showsthepercentages ofusage of cellular phones.

11.20%

44.40%

44.40% ?Reason 1 Reason 2

?Reason 3

Reason 1: I have used a cellular phone for sending e-mail to _my

grandchildren and_{my family.} - 4_persons

Reason 2: I have used a cellular phone for calling my friends. 4

persons.

Reason 3:

Actually,

I seldomuseacellular phone. 1 person.

2-3. What has become convenientforyousinceyou usedacellular phone?

> I can make a telephone call

by

_using a cellular phone even if there is

not a payphone nearby.

r-I can

keep

in touch with _my grandchildren and children who live at a

distancemore

frequently

and_cheaply

by

_usinge-mail.

> Even if Igetseparated _{from my} companionsin crowdedplace, such as

a department store, a _{shopping mall,} or an amusement _park, I can get

themtocomefindme

by

_callingthemon _mycellularphonetoletthem

knowwhere Iam.

> Ican_carry a cellular phone_{easily because it is very light.}

> There is asenseof_{security from carrying} withacellularphone.

> It _{is easy}to _{stay in touch,}not_{only for} mebut alsothe person who has

business with meas

long

asI carrya cellularphone.

> Aperson who worries aboutme caninquire my health anytime without

As for the _{survey, my friends} asked questions face to face with interviewee.

Therefore,

even ifintervieweedid not know a word like "icon "or

"information",

the interviewer was able

toexplainthese words to them.

2-4. What kindof problems or complaints doyouhavewith cellular phones?

r The _characters on e-mail and the menu are too small for older people

toread.

'r-It is difficult for some older people to understand the meanings of

icons because

they

areunfamiliarto us.

r The buttons are so small that some older people cannot always push

them

right,

andit is difficult to push them.

Therefore, they

sometimes

make amistake

by

_pushingthe_{wrong buttons.}

> It is difficult for older people to check the channel or the level of

battery

power _{remaining because} that information is shown

by

small

barthatis hardto see.

r-Cellularphones have so_{many functions} thatit is hard forolder people

tofindthe functionthat

they

wantto choose.

> Thepriceofacellular phoneandthe_{monthly bill}are expensive.

r Theoperation manualforcellular phonesis thick,thereforesome older

peopledonotfeel like reading it.

> I cannot _easily master how to use a cellular phone because the

procedure iscomplicatedto learn.

> Cellular phones do not have a function of voice instruction or

Sometimes it is hard for older people to see a

display

because of the

arrangement of colors on the

icons,

for example yellow and orange printed on a lightbackground.

Some older people cannot use a digital camera feature on cellular

phones becauseitsusageis complicated.

Someolder people cannot operate theircellularphones without _seeing

the display. 3. Ifnot.

[image:29.542.94.439.349.579.2]

3-1.

Why

do youchoosenotto haveone?

Figure 8-4 shows the percentages ofthe reason _why

they

do not have one.The numberin thegraph correspondsto thenumberin parenthesis.

6.907c

20.70%

\ 44. 80%

?Reason 1

Reason 2

?Reason 3

?Reason 4

27.60%

Figure 8-4: Thepercentages ofthereason

Reason 1: It isnot_necessarytohaveacellularphone. - 13

persons.

Reason 2: Acellular phone seems to be complicated to learn to use. -8

Reason 3: Theprice is high.- 6

persons.

Reason 4: Iamnot interested incellularphones.- 2_persons.

4. What kind of interface or function do you expect cellular phones to have in the

future?

4-1. As forthe searchfunctionoftelephonenumbers.

r-This function can

identify

the place where the person is now and to

search the telephone numbers of the nearest public

facilities,

such as

library,

a_city

hall,

a_{train station,} orahospital

by

_usingtheGPS.

4-2. As forthefunctionof voice recognition.

r-If I only haveto push the talk buttonto _saya name that I wantto call,

thecellularphone callsthatperson.

> Guidanceand explanation ofthefunctionsand

handling

are

by

voice.

> Iwantthecellular phoneto read aloudthename andtelephonenumber

of the person who _{is calling} when the cellular phone receives a

telephone call.

r

They

want the cellular phone to read aloud the condition of the total

battery

power_remainingandthechannel.

4-3. As forthehardwareinterface.

> The design of the present cellular phone is almost always a

folding

type;

however,

that form is unfamiliar and disagreeable for older

r-The form of the present cellular phone is linear and the surface is

smooth,so _{it is easy}to

drop

it

by

mistake.

Therefore,

I wantto change

thedesign of cellular phones.

r-I like theold-styletelephonereceivers (as shownin Figure9).

y Some of older people want bigger buttons on cellular phonesbecause

thepresent buttonsare small forthem touse accurately.

> Some of older people wantthe LCD to be enlarged and easier to see

than thepresent models have.

Figure9: Theold-style telephonein Japan

4-4. Other opinions_regarding

function, interface,

anddesign suggestthatolder

people wantthefollowing:

> A function that

they

can call for

help

to the police or an ambulance

by

pushing onlyonebuttonin an emergency.

> A diagnosis of their medical condition or

injury by

_using the digital

camera ofcellular phones without_goingto ahospital.

[image:31.542.71.450.274.420.2]

people usepublictransportation on a

daily

basis in Japan.

> In

Japan,

the construction of some

big

train stations _{is very} complex;

therefore,

they

want cellular phonesto guidethem to theirdestinations

and a change of trains and buses announced

by

voice and

by

displaying

charactersonthe LCD.

>-They

would like cellular phones to be able to read information about

products from scanning the Universal Product Code

(UPC)

on these

items.

>

They

want to be able to write on the LCD like aTablet PC because

they

aremore usedto_writingcharactersthan

inputting

keystrokes.

>

They

hopethatcellular phone usage willbesimplifiedsothatall ofthe

functionscan _{be handled easily}

by

older people.

>

They

hope that

they

will be able to list a telephone number and a

person's namein apersonal telephone

directory

by

voice.

r-They

hope that a purchase price and _monthly service bill will be

cheaperthan_{it currently is.}

r-They

hope that the number of functions of cellular phones will be

reducedbecausethepresent ones aretoo complicatedto use.

Inthis chapter, I havepresented thecurrent state of affairs _{regarding how far}thepresent

cellular phones are viewed

by

older people. Based on this

information,

we see that _many older

people do not have a cellular phone or are discontented with their present cellular _phones,

because the target market of present cellular phones is not older _people, and cellular phones

companies do not consider them. On the other

hand,

from the standpoint of

functionality,

certainly a cellular phone is a convenient device not _{only for} younger people but also older

people. No matter how excellent a cellular phone's functions are to younger people,

they

are

meaningless to older people.

Consequently,

present cellular phones are not

taking

older people

intoconsideration andarethereforenotauseful device forolder people.

3. Results ofthe_usabilitytestanddiscussionaboutthecellular phone:

In this chapter, I would like to consider the hardware

interface,

the software

interface,

and functions of cellular phones for older people based on the results of the above _{survey in}

order to reflect their opinions. Details of the _survey are explained in chapter 2. Based on the

results of the survey, older people seem to have a lot of opinions about the present cellular

phones, especially many negative opinions. In other _{words, the} most important findings is that

olderpeople are

definitely

not satisfied with the present cellularphones.

Therefore,

I would like

to show a new concept of hardware

interface,

a prototype software interface and functions of

cellularphones thatarereflected in surveyedopinionsfromolder people.

3-1. Interface:

3-1-1. Software Interface:

A _summary of the _majority of older people's opinions about the present software

> Thecharacters of e-mail and menu listingsare toosmall to read.

> It is difficult to understand the _meaning of

icons,

which areunfamiliar

toolder people.

> Thecellular phoneshavetoo _{many functions for}olderpeople to_easily

understand orlearn.

r Sometimes it is hard to see a

display

because of the juxtaposition or

arrangementofcolors.

r-It is difficult to view the channel or to check the total

battery

power

remaining because that information is displayed

by

small barsthat are

hard forolderpeopleto read.

The prototype software interface is designedforolder people.

Therefore,

_myprototype

is basedon the above opinionsin ordertobesuitedtoolderpeoplebecause Dan Hawthorn

arguedthat"designers neededtoinvolveolderusersinthe designprocess when

designing

for

older

users"

(Dan,

2003). The

following

isthe mainconcept oftheprototype softwareinterface

design.

> Characters are enlarged as much as possible in order to _{be easily} seen

by

older people. A comparison of the size of characters appears in

Figure 10.

> The interface of icons is unpopular with older_{people; therefore} I use

only characters instead of icons. GUI depends on icons whether the

interface is _easy to understand. That

is,

icons that are not well

abstracted of matters make the meaning difficultinsteadof_making the

are not familiar to older people are used in GUI. It is

likely

that these

factors make iconsunpopularwith older people.

r-As for colors, the contrast is the most important element.

Therefore,

colorcombinations chosen fortheir_contrastingqualities arewhite and

black,

black and

blue,

andblackandorange.

r-Olderpeople consider that the present cellular phones have too _many

functions.

Therefore,

I will _{install only} the basic functions of cellular

phonesintheprototypeinterface.

> Information displayed on the screen is summarized and reduced as

much as possiblein orderto _{increase usability for}older people.

> Thewindow size ofthe prototype is adjusted to actual size of cellular

phones and the screen size is adjusted to actual one's in order to

simplify to compare the prototype to the actual cellular phones for

older people.

JVyzr*J Sal S

*

wwm

i# rMWk

;ks

)/sm

[image:35.542.157.381.466.614.2]

Prototype Arealinterface

3-1-1-1.TheMenu:

Figure 10-1 is a menu screen ofthe prototype interface thatincludes the considerations

listedabove.We seefrom Figure 8 that thenumber offunctionsofthe prototype cellularphoneis

reduced, as compared with the present cellular phones on the market, in order to make basic functions as simple as possible.

Therefore,

the functions ofthe prototype _mainly consist offour

functions: voice _{calls, e-mail,} various _set-up

functions,

and storage/access of personal

information. In addition, I eliminated all functions thatseem to _{be unnecessary for}older people

to _simplify the cellular phone and facilitate its use for them. As for the _way of

input,

the

prototype software interface was designed on the assumption that users use a

"Jog-Dial"

(as

shown in Figure 11). This is installed in Sony's cellularphones and PCs. 'The

Jog

Dial control

enables you to access and retrieve information one-handed because a simple click and turn lets

you scroll through the menu of applications and

information,

_selecting what you

need"

[image:36.542.57.475.392.652.2]

(Jog-Dial).

jbixj pIk _.njx

-|D|x| bh,,'llffWlWggf

aMail function

.

- _". ;, >

-rus :

-*

id

;

₀

[image:37.542.26.519.40.445.2]

-31

il

!

;

-.: s.

;

7I=UX(E)| JStb Norton AnbY _7(HOWS)

|

}#$, NortonAntivirus

Go

gle-[_

J

g

7KW()

|

_fl8*S Norton AntjV Go

gle-|

g - ₇1=_l/A

]

_iJ#* NortonAnbYrus Go

gie-|~

"3

e

"3

6" _Go gle-_|

2}

eg.IS$5Ht

j -|D|x| J

twai

7KL/7.(i Sfifiiie J n?T>)

m\ci BaS/E

. *Sr&&

K wz

J

bWWffllffSBtU

d 77-fJKF) ism SS(Y) fe-i"

,

x

-1

7h"U7(D;_| JfSSb Norton Antffi

Go gk>

|~

rus _j-

-feffittfg

J

Wz

t]*- J7-fX-fci-S t] j7-fI/tL-s

|VA

j

-H 33^ <lMSN...

|

.35fH...

[

@]4g^...|gjMam...

|

e_"Telep..

|

g^Matf...

j

jotter...||g]Myin_ fj * SS tf 0 H

"A21:36

Figure 10-1: Themenu screen oftheprototype interface

3-1-1-2. The Telephone function:

Figure 10-2 is a menu screen of the telephone function

including

_accessing an address

book,

adjusting the volume on phonecalls, and_offeringthecall

history

thatinforms an ownerof

who has called and when. As for the address

book,

people can call a person _up and check the

personal information anytime

by

_making a selection from the list of names in the address book.

cellular phones. As for the record

function,

an owner can not _onlycheckwho called and at what

timebutcan also returnthe call _easily

by

_selecting thatinformation.

PFUAfD)JHit) Norton Antivirus_Q . Goglc-P

-3

d /\-J Mmt JflJjsJ I ** , 1< El > j

PFL-AfB)_JfM* Norton Antivirus _y

-Go gle-

f

d

d

H

n|xj Djxj

J*

Li L~J .

0

U lEJ

TFIMQ)₂'*** Norton Antivirus _Q -

Google-j~

T]

PPl/XtD)_J8it> NortonAntivirus _Q * Go gle- f

d M3*7=0 TF\7zW . Sff&gii . nam ; iM-S ^3 JS|xJ I = :

o

. x'"! i.Zj I Go

gle-im Norton Antivirus _s - i

d

1

"3

/NSr^'J

WhMm

d ! j^XrtTa-5

"3

7b isns.lit.

13:23 1/08

1

d; f? .JSl*l

am

;

7PUA(B)

3

%*rj Norton Antivirus_Q

-Go gle-

3

090-1234-5678

abcOef.com

ESS

a i "3WZDtfx-F "3

[image:38.542.17.524.128.506.2]

d

[image:39.542.25.517.255.635.2]

3-1-1-3.The E-Mail function:

Figure 10-3 is the menu screen ofthe e-mail

function,

including

composing, receiving,

sending and _reading or _re-reading e-mail messages. When people write e-mail, first of all

they

choose a name from their address book and then select the person's e-mail address.

Secondly,

they

writetheirmessage andtitleofthee-mail.

Finally, they

checktheir message, make_anyedits

or _{addition, then} complete the transmission of the e-mail

by

_pushing the button to send the

message.

BEES

Jsjxj

nmsass

jsj*j

j> -* . 0* 7FlrA( Go _g _ * >> Z>

-1 \m/\ f|

-o

-*,

n

i

D)_jftb Norton Antivirus _{__,}* 7l=l>A(

Go _g

D)_J?B) Norton AnoVrrus_Q

-

c-[ J

e-| J

d d

~J ll MrcK

T'h'b^lfi . ^-Jl/jMi! 'hffl*5r ftifftHil

Si

MESffiHT'- --<*<teli& -lnl*J

77-OKB SBm 3ct(v) "

if '?._;

"

1?

.... .El

7KI/A~%8fo Norton Antivirus _Q

-'

L5J LEJ v\

7l5bAffl)

3

S4t Norton Antivirus ₃

-Go

gle-|

Go g!

e-p

J d d M*5='J /\3-7-'J y-iljAis j-)imiR 5-Th;U:| 'hffl*Svr

13:01 1/10 _j-J

SBiria d

cci:y^1z--y r7jf1g'"ElJS

?. _d

WZ> ^ih iMfS ]3

njxj

:r ii<b iSj :T!' >.

0K5 _{lt# I ! LEI i}"*

7PUA_J1ib Norton AntrVrus _Q ' Gogle

r d

-y\3r7=U

TFb7.il!S

'_{i Go} gle

-|~ racSrfi^. 090-1234-5678 ^-JU7h"L/X: abc0ef.com Ms jnjxj OKE sK{ xi s

7Kl/A(nJ

3

UB) Norton Antivirus ₃

-~d

~H mtA-.

l

im%z>y 13.231/03 zi mA *x n|xj

71=L/A_3^ Norton ArtiVrus ₃

-Gogle-

p

d_

~D

Mj/tU

^ Vt2

-VS ATlUTTcLi.

d

M5 Q-tZyh ail

JnJxJ .... ' -" ..J " _*] Lej

7F1/A_j?lf* Norton Antivirus

Go gle-

[

3

MS^U ^-Jl/ftH TJ SBAfr6 y 7t2-i/ZP :^5

"3

[image:40.542.13.540.258.659.2]

3-1-1-4.

Thevarious

Set-up

functions:

Figure 10-4 is the menu screen of the various _{set-up functions:} the _set-up music that

sounds when someone calls an _owner, the_set-upofthe

display,

andthe_set-up ofthe total charges

andtime ofthe call. As for the _set-up of_music, an owner can change the music and its volume.

Asforthe _set-up ofthe

display,

_{an owner can adjustbrightness ofthescreen. As forthe}

set-upof

the charges and _time, an owner can check the total charges and time or can reset and clearthat

information.

gnas

.inlxl

,,

P\ -|D|x|

gi gjyaaaijMiiiJ

-inlxl il; -inixi

T

-r >, 'i.iKE Sl: ?t_ _{K| #} KB gSffi RS(V) *

3

8 \i

'

p

"--V": ". ! "

0

"

3

lEJ

_ j

-'

J

*

J*J le!

*

7H UA(D)

J

Si* Norton AntiVir

d _Go

g

D)

3

Sb Norton Antivirus _____

- 71=l/A

J

SS) Norton Antivirus a- _7PI/A

3

Si* NortonAntivirus ₃ *

Go gle-

P

le-|~

_-J

Go gle-

|

d" _;Go gle-

|

_J | /vy^'j "Q-'fSDXjiE d i d d

d

d

d

M3-7^1 M->7"U n^^'J

m1sB 5XJE

6000H

JR&Bffi]:

14B$^035iv

Wb H3 w% _s^

d

-inlxl

CD SB Siffl _| ,.' s . 4\- vl 5"l ">

>>!

^ ;*j

Ifc-j __;

-SJ i7-fX/tfa-5 41. !3WHi/tfa-S 7PI/A3^83

|

NortonAnBVtus g

- _i Go gle-[~ jj : d (3u oux. w&

3-1-1-5.

Thefunctionof personal

information:

Figure 10-5 is the menu screen of the function of personal information: owner information

including

name,cellular phone _number,and e-mail _address;the telephone numbertobecalled an

emergency; andthe owner's present _{location. As for}the function ofthe telephone numberin an

emergency, the cellular phone determines the present location information

by

GPS and

downloads the telephone number of the nearest police _station, the nearest fire _station, and the

nearest hospital from the database when the ownerjudges it to need _emergency call. As forthe

function of the owner's present

location,

the ownercan find his orherpresent, detailedposition

on a_mapthatpinpoints the location

by

_{using GPS. In addition,} the detail information ofowner's

presentlocation is pinpointed

by

characters.

*J _jajxj

*

m

^m*i\Em jnjxj

'is ^Y^t^?^ " jnjxj 7R Go /'

3 : ;-';/

. $

*_I sD

MS)2'*** NortonAntrVrrus_Q

-gle-| ^J

QgK,

-I)

x] 2j ^ i j

'

'

9

'

L*3 :J?1 ;

-7r=

1X10)^iiiil Norton AntiVn_S -d"

PFl-ACD)₃ffifil NortonAntivirus'_____ - ' Go

gle-| d "

7 lvB)__}Hth Norton AntrViru

d"

Go

gle-|_

Gogle- |

. *Atf*S

IHSfJiB

ms

d

d 1 _{g 63}

=giiu:Lljffl;*:&|]

090-8765-4321

. M~JU7KL/X:

[email protected] d -J d d d *jsisi j. _i^W^f . *<D;Bp75* J^3

JK.-;fi

rt&iiff_d M-5

wt, MS y~j.

ES33S

9*

8S *&-*-% &i 7i(V) " 8

.-'

* 2Li LEJ

*

71=1/?,0}_j|?*(] Norton AntiW

.,.1

9

-d

<& l7"!XrlTl-i \JWX'tfa--'j ^jifii i^-fx/Ci-s L~

d

r.

g

<i i ii MS

"

[image:41.542.43.508.321.648.2]

3-1-2._{The usability}test:

3-1-2-1. Methods:

I ran a _usabilityteston the prototype software interfaceforolderJapanesepeople, and I

receivedten responses. As forthe _{usability test, I instructed}testers through cooperators

by

_using

telephone how

they

ran the test. All of the _usability test was run with

cooperators'

PC

by

downloading

dataoftheprototype interface. None oftherespondents have had a cellular phone.

Theage groupings of older people who participatedin the_usabilitytestasfollows: sexagenarian,

two_{persons; septuagenarians,} four_{persons; octogenarians, three persons;} andone nonagenarian.

The point of the evaluation was to determine optimal qualities in the size of _{characters, the}

arrangement of_colors, ease of

handling,

the number of

functions,

and all opinions _regardingthe

prototype interface. In addition, there was difference in

feeling

in actual

handling

the cellular

phones because the older people who were testers needed to use a mouse when

they

ran the

usabilitytestoftheprototypeinterface.

However,

hardware interface isnotpoint ofevaluationin

thispart.

3-1-2-2. Results:

The

following

are the results ofthe _usability test that was run with ten _elderly subjects

who were

testing

theprototype softwareinterface:

1. Sizeofcharacters.

r Thesize of characters isalegible sizeforolderpeople.

> E-mail charactersaretoo small forolder peopleto_easilyread.

2. Arrangementofcolors.

olderpeople to_easilyread.

> The combination ofthe color about the prototype that is

black,

white,

blue,

and orange_{is easy} to see anddistinguish other colors.

3.

Handling

ofthe prototype.

r-The interfaceofcharactersis easierto handleforolderpeoplethan the

interface oficons.

> When

they

choose a

function,

they

want the interface to explain that

functionto them.

4. Numberoffunctions.

r-The reduced number of functions of the prototype _{is satisfactory} to

olderpeople.

5. All opinions abouttheprototypeinterface

> It is difficult for older people to see the _{map because it is confusing}

and gives toomuchinformation.

> Theexplanationofthepresent position

by

charactersis useful.

6. Doyou wanttoget acellular phone whoseinterface is thisprototype?

6-1. Yes. fourpersons.Why?

r Thisprototypeinterfaceisuseful forolderpeople.

6-2. No. - three _persons.Why?

r-The prototype is much different from cellular phones that are sold to

young people.

Therefore,

the prototype does not make a good

impression on some older people who feel that

they

are

being

6-3. I donotknow.

-threepersons. Why?

> Dependson theprice.

Basedon the resultsofthis _{usability test, four}out oftenpersons saidthat

they

mightget

a cellular_phone, andthree out often persons might not get a cellularphonethat has the software

interface as inthe _{prototype, which suggests that the software interface design of cellular phones}

is one oftheimportant factorsforolder people when

they

choose whether

they

will geta cellular

phone or not.

However,

_{it is} natural that the software interface is one of the important factors

because none of the functions are carried out without _using the software interface. To put it

briefly,

a cellular phone that does not have a useful software interface is not a useful device.

Naturally, the reverse is also true. As a consequence, older people who do not have a cellular

phone aremore

likely

togetoneif it includedamore_{usefully designed}software interface.

3-1-3. Hardware Interface:

The nine respondents had their cellular phones and other respondents were showed

cooperators'

cellular phones in orderto _grasp what cellularphone was.

Therefore,

not everyone

but some respondents had good and bad opinions about hardware interface. The

following

is a

summary ofthe

respondents' opinionsofthepresenthardware interface:

> _{It is very}

light;

therefore, it is easy for older people to _carry a

cellular phone.

> The buttons are so small that _they cannot always push the right

ones and end_{up making}amistake.

>

They

cannot master _easily how to use the functions of cellular

have to learntoo _manythings.

r The form ofthe present cellular phone is linear andthe surface is

smooth and _easy to drop.

Therefore, they

want to change the

exteriordesignof cellularphones.

r

They

wanttheLCD tobe moreenlarged andeasierto see thanthe

present models have.

Based on these opinions from older_{people, the} buttons are_especially problematic. The

hardware interface design

directly

influences the

handling

of cellular phones.

Therefore,

it is

essential to consider the physical

dexterity

of older people when the author redesigns the

hardware interface design.

Accordingly,

Iwould like to refer to an experiment conducted

by

the

Research Institute ofHuman

Engineering

for

Quality

Life

(HQL)

_{in 1998 regarding}the physical

ability of older people (Human

Engineering

for

Quality

Life,

1998). _{The study investigated}

regardingthe ease of

handling

andthe ease of_making mistakes when _{pushing buttons}

by

_using

the four sizes of buttons: 7 millimeters wide

(mm), 12mm, 17mm,

and 20mm in width. The

study's resultfollow:

> As for ease of

handling,

the estimate of the smallest button

(7mm)

is

lowcompared with other sizes

buttons,

which weremore convenient.

>

Comparing

the same button size, it seems that there is an optimum

space between buttons that makes it easier for older people to handle

the buttons.

However,

even ifthe spacebetween buttons is too narrow

or too wide, the tester feels that the

handling

of 7mm and 12mm

buttonswas poor.

handling

between the 7mm andthe 12mm buttons. On theother

hand,

there is a great

difference

regarding the percentage ofusers who made

mistakes. To put _{it concretely, in the} case of the 12mm button the

number of users who made mistakes is higher than those who used

with7mm buttons.

r When _{the space between buttons is}

30mm,

_the

ease of

handling

is

good, asthe buttonsizebecome larger.

> The ratio of the person who made mistakes gets higher as the space

between buttons becomes narrow.

From the above result of the _{experimentation, there} is a correlation between the button

size and the space _{between buttons regarding the}

feeling

_{ofthe button's handling. Basedon the}

result of _{experimentation,} cellular phones can

ideally

be designed. On the other

hand,

_actually

both the button's size and the space in between are _willy-nilly restricted

by

the premise that a

cellular phone is a portable device and used with _only one hand.

Therefore,

I have to take the

width of present cellular _{phones, ranging from 48} to

51mm,

when I consider the hardware

interface design. Based on the results of the aforementioned _research, the

following

is an

example ofa good hardware interface design of cellular phones. Each button is 7mm wide, the

spacebetween buttons is

10.5mm,

andthespace ofbothto theedge ofthecellular phoneis 3mm.

The research found that

basically

the widerthe _{button's spacing}

becomes,

the more older people

do not make amistake aboutbuttons handling. Ofcourse, theLCD is betteras it_{becomes bigger.}

In addition, someolder people saidthat

they

droppedtheircellular phones

by

mistake.

Therefore,

The hardware interface design _{greatly influences} the

feeling

of

handling

and the first

impression of _appearance, and the software interface _{design greatly influences how} people can

easilyuse a cellular phone. Ifthe_{hardware interface} is not a good

design,

cellular phones are not

easy to

handle,

and ifthe software interface isnot a good

design,

cellular phones aredifficult to

use. In

brief,

cellular phones that are not useful if

they

lack a good

interface,

which makes the

cellular phone_easytohandle and providesall of_functionsthat the user needs.

Therefore,

cellular

phones should have a good interface so that everyone can _easily use

it;

otherwise it is

meaningless if cellular phones with however excellentfunctions are notuseful. In addition, it is

clearthat these considerations_positively impactthe _usability ofcellular phones forolderpeople.

In other_words, cellular phone usage will increase amongolder peopleif

they

aredesignedwith a

goodinterface. Of_course,agoodinterface designmeans _suitingeveryoneirrespectiveofage.

3-2. Function:

Currently,

cellular phones have alot ofvarious functions.

However,

all of the functions

are not always useful for olderpeople because who have differentneeds and abilities the target

market forcellular phones is younger_{people, therefore,} even ifa function isnot useful forolder

people, cellularphones are equipped with it.

Judging

fromthe standpointof_marketing,theabove

situation _{may be} valid.

However,

_providingolder people with thefunctions that

they

needis also

important and would open _up a new targetmarket forcellular phones.

Therefore,

I would like to

3-2-1.Thevoice function

Asforthe functions ofcellular_phones, a_primaryrequirementforolder peopleis related

to voice _operation, for example, a voice explanation of all ofthe

functions,

aregistration in the

telephone

book,

an _ability to search a telephone numbersfrom the telephone

book,

and to write

e-mail

by

_voice, or announce thecondition ofthe total

battery

power_remaining and the state of

receiving a radio cannel.

Judging

from their opinions, older people want to handle cellular

phones _easily and to get information not _{only visually but} also

by

voice.

Indeed,

older people

wanttobe able tohandle all ofthe functionsofcellular phoneswith voicecommands.

Currently,

there are two ways that voicerecognitionis realized at cellularphones. One isthe application of

PCs'

voice recognition tocellular phones. As forthe voice recognition of

PCs,

users can "dictate

memos, reports, and other

documents;

enter

data;

fill-in

forms;

send e-mail

by

_using voice

recognition"

(The voice recognitionofPC's). PCsarenot restricted

by

machine power compared

to cellular phones.

Therefore,

from the standpoint ofmachine power, software ofPCs is easyto

develop

compared to cellular phones'. That

is,

cellular phones will have voice recognition

by

improving

its performance. The other is development of original voice recognition for cellular

phones. In thecurrent state ofaffairs, although afunction is restricted, there is acellularphone

that realizes voice operation is called "Xelibri

3"

(Siemens Information and Communication

Mobile Group). Userscan handleitwith_only voicecommand. The voice recognition of"Xelibri

3"

realizes

by

_using a _technology that is called "smARTspeak

NG"

(Advanced Recognition

Technologies,

Inc). This is developed for cellular phones.

Certainly,

"Xelibri

3"

does not have

many functions like present cellular phones.

However,

it shows apossibility ofone of the future

ofcellular phones.

older people because theireyesight and

hearing

are

beginning

to weaken and their hands do not

move

freely

anymore.

Therefore,

it is easier for older people to handle cellularphones and get

information though a combination of _{voice, eyesight,} and hearing. In addition, most user

manuals contain between 300-500 pages,

increasing

in proportion to thenumber offunctions of

the model ofthe cellular phone. As a_result, cellular phones givethe impression thatpeople have

to _{learn many}things aboutfunctionsbefore

they

canusethemsuccessfully.

This is one ofthe reasons _why some older people do not want to have cellular phones.

On the other

hand,

if people could use all of the cellular phone's function without _reading the

manual, cellular phones would _{be very}useful d