Learning support through adaptive machine simulation for older users of interactive systems

In this project we will research how seniors can be supported by using interactive systems. We focus on areas of training (development of a learning environment) and design of work equipment. It is well known that seniors are confronted with many problems when starting to use new technical systems. Additionally, elderly people often conform to perceived age related roles and build up a certain barrier of trepidation to the use of such systems. Thus it is the aim of the project to reduce this trepidation barrier by creating adaptive machine simulations and video sequences. The Selection-Optimization-Compensation theory (Baltes) of the cognitive aging research and the Social Learning Theory (Bandura) constitute the theoretical background for this approach. For the experimental settings we plan to use a ticket vending machine as our object of investigation. Our experiments will be designed to differentiate between age-specific and non-age-specific effects of training and work equipment design.