In this chapter, we examine how ageing affects human interaction with biometric systems. We focus on the ability and willingness of older users to engage with advanced technologies, and use them successfully. Ageing can change physical and behavioural characteristics, and this can impact performance. In this chapter, we focus on the change in general physical and cognitive capabilities, and how this impacts the ability to interact with the systems in which biometric recognition is embedded. If older users find it hard to present their biometrics correctly, or find the behaviour required to present unacceptable, this can lead to exclusion.

Chapter Contents:

• 16.1 Introduction
• 16.2 What is usability?
• 16.2.1 User characteristics
• 16.2.2 User goals
• 16.2.3 Context of interaction
• 16.2.4 Implications for design
• 16.3 The impact of cognitive ageing on the use of technology
• 16.3.1 Deterioration of cognitive capabilities
• 16.3.2 Lack of knowledge and mental models
• 16.3.3 Cultural and social values
• 16.3.4 Behavioural implications
• 16.3.5 Improving elderly users' interaction with biometric systems
• 16.4 Opportunities for biometrics
• 16.4.1 0-effort, 1-step, 2-factor authentication?
• 16.4.2 Replacing CAPTCHAs
• 16.5 Conclusions
• References

Inspec keywords: biometrics (access control)

Other keywords: cognitive capabilities; physical capabilities; biometric recognition; security mechanisms; usable biometrics; ageing population

Subjects: Data security