Purpose

Customization by segmenting within human–computer interaction is an emerging phenomenon. Appealing graphical elements that cater to user needs are considered progressively important, as the way a graphic is visually represented can greatly contribute to the interaction. However, aesthetic perceptions are subjective and may differ by target group. Understanding variations in user perceptions may aid in design processes; therefore, we set out to investigate the effects of demographic differences relating to perceptions of graphical user interface (GUI) element (i.e. game app icon) aesthetics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed a vignette experiment with random participant (n = 513) assignment to evaluate 4 icons from a total of 68 pre-selected mobile game icons using semantic differential scales. This resulted in a total of 2052 individual icon evaluations. Regression analyses were performed with the effects of age, gender and time using graphical user interfaces (i.e. app stores) and the interactions of these variables relating to perceptions of GUI element aesthetics.

Findings

The results indicate that, overall, demographic factors have relatively little effect on how icons are perceived. Significant relations suggest that experienced users, younger audiences and women are more critical in their perception of aesthetic excellence, and that perceptions change for younger women. The implications of the findings are discussed via adaptive decision-making theory.

Originality/value

In the context of graphical user interface element aesthetics, demographic differences have received minimal attention as moderating variables regardless of their relevance in design and development. Hence, it merits further research.

中文翻译：

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人口因素对图标审美感知的影响不大：手机游戏图标研究

目的

通过在人机交互中进行细分的定制是一种新兴现象。迎合用户需求的吸引人的图形元素被认为越来越重要，因为图形的视觉表现方式可以极大地促进交互。然而，审美观念是主观的，可能因目标群体而异。了解用户感知的变化可能有助于设计过程；因此，我们着手调查与图形用户界面 (GUI) 元素（即游戏应用程序图标）美学感知相关的人口统计学差异的影响。

设计/方法/方法

作者采用随机参与者 ( n  = 513) 分配的小插图实验，使用语义差异量表从总共 68 个预选的手机游戏图标中评估 4 个图标。这导致总共有 2052 个单独的图标评估。使用图形用户界面（即应用商店）对年龄、性别和时间的影响以及与 GUI 元素美学感知相关的这些变量的相互作用进行回归分析。

发现

结果表明，总体而言，人口因素对图标的感知方式影响相对较小。显着的关系表明，经验丰富的用户、年轻观众和女性对审美卓越的看法更为关键，而年轻女性的看法也在发生变化。通过适应性决策理论讨论了研究结果的含义。

原创性/价值

在图形用户界面元素美学的背景下，人口差异作为调节变量受到的关注最少，无论它们在设计和开发中的相关性如何。因此，值得进一步研究。