
ADULTS’AND CHILDRENS’ REACTIONS TO
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS
Martin C. Maguire
Design School, Loughborough University, UK
This paper reviews the findings of four surveys that studied the
reactions of both adults and children to new ideas for technologi-
cal development. These included the use of TV for new applications
in the home, enhancements to make work easier in the kitchen, and
the use of computers versus traditional methods for activities such
as shopping and learning. The studies show some common themes –
that convenience, familiarity, practicality, feasibility and relevance
strongly influence participants’ support for particular applications. ...