THE IMPACT OF UI DESIGN ELEMENTS ON COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN ELDERLY MOBILE APPLICATION USERS

This research paper explores the correlation between the elements of the design of user interface and cognitive performance among the elderly users of mobile applications. Older population is rapidly embracing mobile technology; however, most application is not designed for their special needs regarding cognition and perception. Using a mixed-methods study, we examined a number of 127 aging participants between the ages of 65-85 in order to determine the effect of particular UI elements –such as typography, color contrast, navigation patterns and feedback mechanisms – on completion rates of tasks, error occurrences, and cognitive load. Results have shown that properly optimised interfaces can to a great extent eliminate cognitive effort and enhance usability for elderly users. Particularly, interfaces with improved contrast ratios, simplified navigation, and multimodal feedback resulted in 37% in task completion and reduction of cognitive load by 42%, according to NASA-TLX. It can be inferred by these findings that the age-specific UI design traits cannot be viewed as pure accessibility aspects but the vital means to support cognitive functions in elder users. Based on empirical evidence, design recommendation and frameworks to be followed by developers are offered.