Remembering how to use the Internet -An investigation into the effectiveness of VoiceHelp for older adults

摘要

This paper describes an experiment to assess the effectiveness of voice output (messages) to communicate help to older adults whilst using BrookesTalk, a speaking web browser originally designed for blind and visually impaired people. The messages used to provide help to the user are referred to as 'VoiceHelp'. The experiment described is part of a programme of research that was initiated by findings connected with developing BrookesTalk. It was found that it had a very poor uptake amongst older adult visually impaired users, with 82% unable to master the technology (Zajicek & Hall, 2000). This work explores possible reasons for this finding and seeks to determine potential solutions.