Novel Virtual User Models of Mild Cognitive Impairment for Simulating Dementia.
Virtual user modeling research has attempted to address critical issues of human-computer interaction (HCI) such as usability and utility through a large number of analytic, usability-oriented approaches as cognitive models in order to provide users with experiences fitting to their specific needs. However, there is demand for more specific modules embodied in cognitive architecture that will detect abnormal cognitive decline across new synthetic task environments. Also, accessibility evaluation of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) requires considerable effort for enhancing ICT products accessibility for older adults. The main aim of this study is to develop and test virtual user models (VUM) simulating mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through novel specific modules, embodied at cognitive models and defined by estimations of cognitive parameters. Well-established MCI detection tests assessed users' cognition, elaborated their ability to perform multitasks, and monitored the performance of infotainment related tasks to provide more accurate simulation results on existing conceptual frameworks and enhanced predictive validity in interfaces' design supported by increased tasks' complexity to capture a more detailed profile of users' capabilities and limitations. The final outcome is a more robust cognitive prediction model, accurately fitted to human data to be used for more reliable interfaces' evaluation through simulation on the basis of virtual models of MCI users.
Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), Information Technologies Institute (ITI), P.O. Box 60361, 6th Charilaou-Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece ; Department of Special Education, University of Thessaly, Argonafton & Filellinon Street, 38221 Volos, Greece.
Sofia
S
Segkouli
Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), Information Technologies Institute (ITI), P.O. Box 60361, 6th Charilaou-Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Ioannis
I
Paliokas
Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), Information Technologies Institute (ITI), P.O. Box 60361, 6th Charilaou-Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Dimitrios
D
Tzovaras
Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), Information Technologies Institute (ITI), P.O. Box 60361, 6th Charilaou-Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Thanos
T
Tsakiris
Pan-Hellenic Federation of Alzheimer's disease and Related Disorders, 13 P. Syndika Street, 546 43 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Magda
M
Tsolaki
Department of Special Education, University of Thessaly, Argonafton & Filellinon Street, 38221 Volos, Greece.
Charalampos
C
Karagiannidis
D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D014584:User-Computer Interface