Interface Metaphor Design and Instant Messaging for Older Adults

Instant Messaging is currently not widely adopted among older computer users. An investigation has therefore been conducted into the use of Instant Messaging by older computer novices, with particular emphasis on the use of an alternative metaphor in the user interface to try to produce a more usable and acceptable solution for older adults. Two messenger interfaces (a traditional one and an experimental alternative) were designed for the study and compared in use by older computer novices, through measurement and participant interview. Results showed that the alternative metaphor interface performed better overall and that the majority of the participants preferred it for future use.