Age differences in smartphone menu item selection

The effects of menu patterns, icon background colours, and icon symbols

Bibliographic Data

ID21452249
AuthorsLumpapun Punchoojit (0000-0002-3797-1148, Thammasat University, corresponding author), Nuttanont Hongwarittorrn (Thammasat University)
Year2026
Volume45
Issue7
Pages1407-1430
Publication date2026-04-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueBehaviour and Information Technology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0144-929X • E-ISSN: 1362-3001
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/0144929x.2025.2551571
OpenAlexW4414070093
LanguageEN
References cited46

Menu design includes elements such as patterns, depth and breadth, labelling, and structure, all impacting usability. With the rise of smartphones, many menu patterns have emerged, but icons now play a critical role, indicating that patterns alone don't determine usability. Previous research shows that icon designs, including background colours and symbols, affect menu efficiency and this impact varies across age groups. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing menu selection time, selection errors, and user satisfaction by evaluating menu patterns as another independent variable. We investigated the effects of age groups, menu patterns, icon background colours, and icon symbols on these metrics. A total of 240 participants, divided into children, adults, and older adults (80 per group), took part in the experiment. Results showed that grid menus, multicolour backgrounds, and pictorial symbols significantly improved selection time. Age also significantly affected selection time, with adults being the fastest, followed by children, and then older adults. Based on these findings, we offer design recommendations for smartphone menus and icon designs

Feature (linguistics) · Icon · Taste · Color perception and design · Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders · Innovative Human-Technology Interaction

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