Product function image recognition among older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is prevalent among older adults; some of people with MCI are usually independent or live with their family members. Product function images play a crucial role between product users and interface. The aim of this study is to understand the features of product function images that can be easily recognised by older adults with MCI. We presented images of four product functions using following two methods: 1) from plane to stereo images; and 2) from concrete to abstract images. A total of 31 adults with MCI and 35 controls were invited to participate in an image recognition ranking test, followed by an interview. The results suggested that images with more detailed features were more recognisable and interpretable to older adults with MCI, but overly complex images were unsuitable. Although stereo perception can provide supplementary visual information, images with more stereo designs were not necessarily more recognisable.