Effects of Pictures, Age, and Experience on Learning to Use a Computer Program
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/stc/tc/2002/00000049/00000003/art00006
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  peer-reviewed

van der Meij, Hans and Mark Gellevij
Technical Communication Online
2002

Abstract:

Research indicates that older people generally do not process information differently than younger people do. Instead, 'the main difference ... seems to be that elderly users are less capable in dealing with any shortcomings in the manuals than younger users. The impact of badly designed manuals is usually greater for elderly people,' (van Hees 1996, p. 531). In line with this view, Hartley (1994) suggests that 'text will be easier for older people to use when their perceptual and memory processing loads are reduced' (p. 171). Although the criteria for good design remain a bit unclear, we can accept the general idea that designing well will help the elderly.