Abstract: Distinctive human attribute such as age, sex, and cultural background created a large number of problems in the understanding of graphic representation. This research is conducted by using pictorial icons in cell phone as a case study to reveal the age and cultural bias between age groups. Most of them are able to operate only the basic features. The study thus has an ultimate goal to discover a universal representation of iconic symbol, which would help enhance the learning ability of senior group in particular, and to improve the usage of other technological oriented equipments in general. We intend to study in three features: complexity of iconic symbols, the visual limitation among the age group, and the interpretation of iconic symbols. The first issue deals with learning new technology’s capability and the recollection. Next, it involves graphic icon visible format -simple, detailed and textual including size and color. Finally, we look at the 2D/3D format, realistic/symbolic, and with/without textual display. From the research, it is found that respondents are proved to be able to learn complicated level as equal as younger users. With reading glasses, they are able to visualize and understand simple icons as small as 5-10 mm, complicated as 30 mm and graphical icons with textual as 10-15 mm. Bright color is for simple icon, and cooler tone is for complicated ones. 2D is for familiar objects while 3D and realistic are for unfamiliar ones. Textual representation could enhance the understanding of representation as well.
Keywords: technology-driven; elderly; perception; mobile phone