Question

In a well thought out discussion argument response, leveraging what you have read in Chapter 4, some independent research of examples that highlight the pros and cons, and or even your personal experience. Answer the question below in a one pager response. The choice of an appropriate input device for a product is often based on both the type of device being used and the target market for that device. For instance, a device targeted to college students and one targeted to older individuals may use different input methods. Suppose that you are developing a device to be used primarily for Internet access that will be marketed to senior citizens. What type of hardware would you select as the primary input device? Why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of your selected input device? How could the disadvantages be minimized? must be in your own words

Answer 1

When developing a device for senior citizens for Internet access, the primary input device should be a touch screen. Touch screens are intuitive, accessible, and interactive. However, they can have drawbacks such as fingerprints, accidental input, and reliance on touch gestures. These disadvantages can be minimized through anti-smudge coatings, larger touch targets, and sensitivity adjustments.

Step-by-step explanation:

When developing a device for senior citizens for Internet access, the primary input device should be selected based on their needs and capabilities. One appropriate input device for this target market could be a touch screen interface. A touch screen allows users to interact with the device by directly touching the screen, eliminating the need for complex keyboards or mice. This can be advantageous for senior citizens who may have difficulty with traditional input devices.

The advantages of using a touch screen as the primary input device for senior citizens are:

• Intuitive and easy to use: A touch screen interface is natural and intuitive, as most people are already familiar with touch-based interactions through smartphones and tablets. This makes it easier for senior citizens to learn and use the device.
• Accessible: Touch screens can be designed with larger buttons and icons, making it easier for senior citizens with vision or dexterity issues to interact with the device.
• Interactive: Touch screens allow for direct interaction with the device, providing immediate feedback and a more engaging user experience.

However, there are also some disadvantages of using a touch screen as the primary input device:

• Fingerprints and smudges: Touch screens can easily accumulate fingerprints and smudges, which may require frequent cleaning to maintain visibility.
• Potential for accidental input: Senior citizens with shaky hands may accidentally touch the wrong areas of the screen, leading to unintended actions.
• Dependency on touch gestures: Some touch screen interfaces rely on specific touch gestures, which may be difficult for senior citizens with limited motor skills to perform accurately.

To minimize the disadvantages, the device can include features such as anti-smudge coatings on the screen, larger touch targets, and sensitivity adjustments to account for different user needs. Additionally, providing clear instructions and user tutorials can help senior citizens learn and adapt to touch screen interactions.