Since dumping my blackberry after 10 years of loyal usage for an iPhone one year ago, I have guarded my prized toy at all times, especially from the grimy hands of my two little daughters. In fact, up until a few months ago, there was no way in hell I would let my kids touch my “other” baby! Recently though, as my older daughter has become a more mature 3 year old (mature is a very relative term here), and in order to stop her from asking the same question again and again, I allowed some tightly monitored access to my iPhone.
image source: http://www.coneinc.com
I was utterly amazed at how quickly a 3yr old, with absolutely no direction, was able to quickly figure out the interface and operate the phone effectively. This is a testament to the UI/UX design of the iPhone and the game changing nature of touchscreen technologies in general. On the flip side, I spend a lot of time thinking about how much difficulty my otherwise capable parents have operating computers . I suppose the next most obvious test would be to hand over my iPhone to either of my parents and see if they are as productive as my 3yr old from the moment they start using the device.
I know there have been countless studies on the learning capabilities of older people vs. young children but I’m constantly astounded by the actual divide between these groups. One way or another, I think that technology, and especially mobile and touch technologies combined with an evolution in UI/UX design principles will drive a new capability between all age groups and demographics over time. This evolution alone will drive an amazing trajectory of new technology adoption for just about every consumer segment now and in the coming years.
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Brill Pappin
