Identification of Product Functional Images Among Older Adults

Older users require substantial consideration in product design. Functional images play a crucial role in the interaction users have with products. This study investigated the characteristics of functional images that are identifiable for older users. Six sets of images representing different product functions were employed in the test, and each set contained images represented based on five levels of stylization from concrete to abstract. A total of 30 older users participated in the image identifiability sequencing test and interview. The results indicated that excessively simplified and abstract images were difficult for participants to identify, whereas those depicted through pictorial illustration or graphic rendering were the easiest to recognize. The results are expected to provide a reference in product design for older users.