A Usability Evaluation Experiment of 3D User Interfaces for Elderly

Abstract

Health professionals have used 3D user interfaces as support tools for the elderly rehabilitation, o ering fun and bene cial resources for the practice of physical and cognitive activities to them. In this context, it is necessary to establish mechanisms to evaluate the usability of these interfaces, in order to achieve a balance between functionality, ease of use and sense of well-being. This paper aims to report a pilot usability study for a virtual reality game developed speci cally for the elderly, as a means to identify the needs of this public regarding 3D user interface evaluation. An initial methodology was tested exploring two points of view in the game -rstand third-person, showing good results for seniors. However, the need to include training periods was noted, and an evaluation with a heterogeneous group of seniors to consolidate and optimize the proposed approach, as well as readjust the instruments used.

UQE-3D: a usability evaluation method of 3D user interfaces for the elderly

“…As a basis to create our questionnaire, we used the VR/AR concepts listed by Burdea and Coiffet (2003), the 3DUI evaluation aspects cataloged by LaViola Jr et al ( 2017), the question and questionnaire design by Brace (2018) and Krosnick (2018), and Nielsen's heuristics for user-interface design (Nielsen, 1994(Nielsen, , 1996. We also used results of pilot studies in previous experiments proposed and tested by Simor (2016) and Postal and Rieder (2019a). These authors describe their methods considering a protocol in three stages: Pre-Test, Test, and Post-Test (Table 1).…”

“…According to the protocol presented in Table 1, our propose considers three stages: Pre-Test, Test, and Post-Test, presented in next subsections.The time duration of each procedure considered pilot studies (Simor, 2016; Postal andRieder, 2019a) before the experiment. We recommended the use of two sessions, 20 minutes, offering a good experience and reducing subjects' boring and tiring.…”

“…• Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15, short version) (Sheikh and Yesavage, 1986); • Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) (Brucki et al, 2003); • Sociodemographic Questionnaire (Postal and Rieder, 2019a).…”

“…They receive an explanation about the VR/AR system operation and can interact freely. This procedure is relevant for the participants in next stage ("test") (Postal and Rieder, 2019a), avoiding novelty and contributing to a more critical evaluation. Moreover, the training helps to prevent breaks in presence during an immersion experience, and to allow user clarifies doubts about devices and interaction process tasks.…”

“…Moreover, the training helps to prevent breaks in presence during an immersion experience, and to allow user clarifies doubts about devices and interaction process tasks. We inserted in our application protocol this phase considering previous pilot studies (Simor, 2016; Postal andRieder, 2019a).…”