Multimodality, inclusive design and intuitive use

With users being able to choose a modality matching their preferences and needs, multimodality is in line with the “Design for all”principle. However, despite the potential advantages possible disadvantages are also reported: Multimodality requires more effort for combination and coordination of the modalities, and higher cognitive load may be the result. Thus, it is not clear if multimodality actually increases accessibility to information technology and if there are modalities that are more “inclusive” than others. Therefore the current study investigates if different user groups (older vs. younger users) benefit from new input modalities, such as touch, speed, and motion interaction, as well as their multimodal combination. It was shown that especially motion control does not correspond to older users’ needs. Moreover, older users did not use the possibility of a flexible, multimodal interaction. The paper concludes with a discussion of the determinants of intuitive use in the light of the modalities investigated.