A Generational Cohort Comparison of Icon Selection Accuracy under Varying Conditions of Icon Entropy and Concreteness

Abstract

—The objective of this research was to compare icon selection accuracy under varying icon entropy and concreteness conditions between different generational cohorts ( Millennial, Generation X, and Baby Boomers ). These generational cohorts have different levels of experience with technology, with younger generations often being framed as “digital natives” and holding stronger technological experience and competence in comparison to older groups. Generational groups also have variations in physiological factors including visual acuity and reaction time. Despite these differences between user groups, many user interaction systems and processes are designed for a single user, rather than considering differences in user processing between different groups. Therefore, this study compares generational cohorts in their icon selection accuracy under varying icon conditions, to help identify what generational differences can be observed in this task. The study selected a sample of 150 participants ( n = 50 for each generational cohort ). The experiment was a 2  2  3 design ( entropy ( high / low )  abstractness ( abstract / concrete )  time ( 9 / 6 / 3 seconds ) , with each participant completing 60 trials ( five questions per entropy / abstractness pair over three timed runs ). Results showed that there were significant differences in mean accuracy per trial under all of the time conditions and icon entropy and concreteness conditions . Mean differences showed that under most conditions, Millennial and Generation X participants did not have a significant mean difference, but Baby Boomers were significantly slower under almost all conditions . The implication of this finding is that Baby Boomers are more sensitive to icon abstractness and entropy conditions than other age groups tested .