Affiliations: Institute of Psychology, Humboldt University Berlin, Germany | Institute of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Michael Sengpiel, Institute of Psychology, Humboldt University Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, D-10099 Berlin, Germany. E-mail: michael.sengpiel@staff.hu-berlin.de
Abstract: The dominance of computers in today's work systems poses particular challenges for older workers. Specifically, their lack of computer experience and computer literacy impedes their ability to explore and use new interactive systems. To investigate the impact of computer literacy, 41 older (mean age 70 years) and 42 younger (mean age 25 years) participants were split evenly into two groups that differed in one aspect: to compensate the lack of computer literacy, the experimental group watched a brief instructional video immediately prior to solving eleven tasks using a simulated ticket vending machine, while the control group did not. Results indicate that both age groups benefited from watching the video, while older adults gained enough knowledge to be as effective as the younger non-video group. This result suggests that the careful design and integration of minimal instructions into interactive devices could contribute to maintain employment and even to find new employment opportunities for older workers.
Keywords: Computer literacy, older workers, video instruction, ticket vending machine, design for all, interaction knowledge, age differences
