A Longitudinal Study of Children’s Perceived Usability: Methodology and Measurements

Abstract

This study examines longitudinal changes in children’s perceived usability based on two aspects. First, we developed a child-friendly usability questionnaire, which used cartoons to express the questionnaire response options. This approach provides an easy-to-understand five-point scale and a filling process using magnetic blocks, which together lead to highly reliable results. Additionally, we designed a longitudinal study to investigate the children’s perceived usability according to two measurement methods (immediate and retrospective). The children’s usability increased with longer durations of usage (i.e., increased repetitions of exercises). The short-term retrospective assessments depended on the most recent experience, whereas the long-term retrospective assessments were generally more positive.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yuhui Wang

Yuhui Wang is a researcher of the industrial design department, Central South University. He is focused on usability theory, user experience and product design.

Yiyang Zhang

Yiyang Zhang is a researcher of school of mechanical engineering, Southeast University. Her research interests usability assessment, speech interaction and interactive design.

Yanying Chen

Yanying Chen is an associate professor of the industrial design department, Central South University. Her research covers design management, user experience, art philosophy.