Preschool children's use of mouse buttons

We have observed numerous times how young children find it difficult to use software that provides different functionality with each mouse button. To better learn how young children use mice, we conducted a study with 4 year-olds, 5 year-olds, and adults. The study's participants played a game that responded equally regardless of the button used to click. The results showed that while adults and most 5 year-olds consistently clicked on the left mouse button, 4 year-olds did not. These results suggest that 4 year-olds are better served by user interfaces that provide the same functionality to all mouse buttons. Categories & Subject Descriptors: H5.2. [Information Interfaces and Presentation]: User Interfaces ? input devices and strategies. General Terms: Human Factors.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: CHI
• Authors: Juan Pablo Hourcade, Benjamin B. Bederson, Allison Druin
• Keywords: CHI 2004, Human Computer Interaction, Left Mouse Button, Mouse Buttons, User Interfaces