ABSTRACT
The variables iconicity and the signaling of steps were investigated in an experiment with a fictitious device: a medical laser. Regarding the signaling of steps, it should be noted that switching behavior between text and device, which is necessary in natural situations where instructions first have to be read and then physically carried out, was ruled out in our experiment. The goal of our research project was to identify and further investigate text characteristics that help or hinder older people's interaction with devices and manuals. The role of temporal iconicity, the signaling of steps, and the absence of goal information and consequence information was investigated. At first sight, this plea for segmentation may seem to contradict the results of Experiment I, which showed no effects for the signaling of steps. Manuals for consumer electronics devices are often criticized for being difficult and inaccessible for many users, especially elderly people.
