SimpleC's front end began as a joint project from the Schools of Computer Science and Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. The solution is designed to compensate for the decrease in working memory associated with aging. SimpleC focuses upon the user’s initial experience to “set the stage” for success. SimpleC
minimizes
working memory requirements.
SimpleC utilizes the user’s muscle memory, which is the only type of memory that increases with age.
SimpleC minimizes the requirements placed on the user. An adaptive sign-up is given upon initial use that
allows SimpleC to ensure that the user is able to both see and operate SimpleC. SimpleC’s intelligent
file system adapts based upon the current application to further reduce the demands on the user.
Ms. Locke has been increasingly interested in using the computer for the past several years. She had attempted to take a computer class at her library about a year ago. However, she only went to the first class as it made her insecure. She was unable to see the symbols on the buttons that the teacher was describing and also unable to click on the icons once she had found them. Worst of all, she would become confused with all of the options that seemed to be on every page and would lose her train of thought.
Then, her neighbor told her about how she had similar problems with the computer, but with SimpleC she was able to use the computer to communicate with her grandchildren and receive pictures. Upon starting up SimpleC, Ms. Locke was relieved to find out that the screen adjusted to her eyesight and made clicking easier. SimpleC opened the Internet to her and now she feels more connected with society and less insecure about her age.
