Children’s Understanding of Symbolism in User Interfaces

Many children’s apps expect their users to understand informal symbols embedded through the interface, such as progress bars or mini maps. In this study, we build on existing knowledge of children’s developmental trajectory to show that such symbols are often inaccessible to younger users, and embellishment of those symbols can also impact understanding. This work was published in the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies 2016.

Example of an embellished progress bar indicating progress toward a goal that was used in the study

Example of an embellished progress bar indicating progress toward a goal that was used in the study

People

Alexis Hiniker
Kiley Sobel
Ray Hong
Hyewon Suh
India Irish
Julie Kientz

Publication

  • Hiniker, A., Sobel, K., Hong, S.R., Suh, H., & Kientz, J. A. (2016). Hidden symbols: How informal symbolism in digital interfaces disrupts usability for preschoolers. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 90, 53-67.