Design patterns to enhance accessibility and use of social applications for older adults

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a non-exhaustive set of 36 design patterns for interactive social applications used by older adults. This proposal represents a reliable starting point for designers/developers to easily incorporate usability in interfaces for said technology promoting technology acceptance, use and adoption among older adults. The proposed patterns were based on previous efforts commonly presented as a design criteria and guidelines to describe usability issues in this kind of interfaces, reinforcing those alternatives by specifying related usability issues and providing solutions in a pattern-fashion useful for designers/developers. Pertinence of the patterns was analyzed through a usability study implementing «heuristic evaluation» technique (frequently used in Human-Computer Interaction to obtain users’ perception on a particular design). The study was conducted from two perspectives: the vantage point from experts, and the perception of a social group of older adults. The analysis revealed the proposed patterns are conducive to create well-designed interfaces able to provide a better user experience, encouraging a positive impact in the quality of life in older adults. El objetivo de este artículo fue proponer una colección no exhaustiva de 36 patrones para el diseño de interacciones en aplicaciones sociales para adultos mayores. La propuesta representa un punto de partida confiable para facilitar, a diseñadores/desarrolladores, la integración de usabilidad en las interfaces de estas tecnologías con el fin de fomentar su aceptación, uso y adopción entre los adultos mayores. Esta propuesta se basa en esfuerzos previos comúnmente expresados como criterios y guías de diseño para definir los posibles problemas de usabilidad en este tipo de interfaces, y se concentra en reforzar estos enfoques mediante la integración de una mayor descripción de tales anomalías y alternativas de solución bajo una estructura de patrones útil para los diseñadores/desarrolladores. Se realizó un estudio de usabilidad con la técnica «evaluación heurística» (comúnmente utilizada en interacción hombre-máquina para obtener la percepción de los usuarios sobre un diseño particular). El trabajo se llevó a cabo desde dos perspectivas: el punto de vista de expertos técnicos y la percepción de un grupo social de adultos mayores. Los resultados reflejaron que los patrones propuestos propician la creación de interfaces bien diseñadas capaces de ofrecer una mejor experiencia de uso y promueven un impacto positivo en la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores.

Online gerontechnological resources analysis for active aging

“…They indicate the need for greater institutional, social and scientific involvement in this field, bearing in mind that more and more older adults will need to immerse themselves in this digital society to ensure an active and independent life, and it is the responsibility of all of us make this possible and guarantee the accuracy, quality, accessibility and effectiveness of the resources available (Luna-García, Mendoza-González, & Álvarez-Rodríguez, 2015).…”

“…This finding indicates the need to promote the application of criteria that facilitate access and use of the Internet by older adults. These could include simplifying screen design and display functions; ensuring content legibility and reliability by using clear and concise language, appropriate layout and content presentation, and professional, objective assessment to ensure the quality of the information; encouraging interactivity with the user and other users; and providing online information and feedback that is of assistance to older adults (Luna-García, Mendoza-González, & Álvarez-Rodríguez, 2015).…”

The Underlying Motivations for Mobile Device Use by Seniors

“…There needs to be a focus on seniors' perceptions of mobile applications and how to educate and help the segment to learn more about how to use them. Inherently, increasing numbers of seniors will require social applications allowing them to better communicate and become active participants in our digital society [9]. As such, our research aims at uncovering the interests of seniors regarding mobile devices and the applications installed on them.…”

Papel de perfiles psicológicos, experiencias vitales, prácticas cotidianas y patrones de uso de internet sobre la calidad de vida de adultos y mayores = Role of psychological profiles, life experiences, daily practices and patterns of Internet use on the quality of life of adults and older adults

“…Internet by older adults. These could include simplifying screen design and display functions; ensuring content legibility and reliability by using clear and concise language, appropriate layout and content presentation, and professional, objective assessment to ensure the quality of the information; encouraging interactivity with the user and other users; and providing online information and feedback that is of assistance to older adults (Luna-García, Mendoza-González & Álvarez-Rodríguez, 2015). …”

“…They indicate the need for greater institutional, social and scientific involvement in this field, bearing in mind that more and more older adults will need to immerse themselves in this digital society to ensure an active and independent life, and it is the responsibility of all of us make this possible and guarantee the accuracy, quality, accessibility and effectiveness of the resources available(Luna-García, Mendoza-González & Álvarez-Rodríguez, 2015). /dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.12.029 Campbell, A., & Wallace, G. (2015.…”