We usually assume – even in science – that many if not all have high computer level skills. But that may not be true according to the Nielsen Norman Group. They summarize the results of any OECD survery where 215,942 people were tested, with at least 5,000 participants in most countries.
26% of adult population
can’t switch on Computers
14% – Below Level 1
Being too polite to use a term like “level zero,” the OECD researchers refer to the lowest skill level as “below level 1.”
This is what people below level 1 can do: “Tasks are based on well-defined problems involving the use of only one function within a generic interface”. An example of task at this level is “delete this email message” in an email app.
29% – Level 1
This is what level-1 people can do: “Tasks typically require the use of widely available and familiar technology applications, such as email software or a web browser. ” An example of level-1 task is “Find all emails from John Smith.”
26% – Level 2
This is what level-2 people can do: “At this level, tasks typically require the use of both generic and more specific technology applications.” An example of level-2 task is “You want to find a specific document that was sent to you by John Smith in October last year.”
5% – Level 3
This is what this most-skilled group of people can do: “At this level, tasks typically require the use of both generic and more specific technology applications.” An example of level-3 task is “You want to know what percentage of the emails sent by John Smith last month were about a specific topic.”