After interviewing some prospective users, making the contextual observations and consulting World Accessibility Standards, here are some of the findings:
- the buttons need to look like buttons, so they know what to click
- one click is better. Hard to make 2 clicks (too slow )
- they need limited access and prevention from error, especially of privacy and security concerns
- the design should be minimalistic (prioritize obviously and functionality over pretty), with a clear call to actions buttons and flow
- they need clear instructions for the next step
- they don’t understand slang, abbreviations, acronyms.
- some had until now limited contact with technology, therefore, they need usage guidance
- use high contrast color combination
- seniors may not understand things like scrolling or search functionality
- leave breadcrumbs to steer users towards relevant sections of the website.
- They will most likely use the help function or tutorials when they run into problems. This should be easy and clear designed.
- when designing apps specifically for older adults: be careful to use clear, objective and educational language without being condescending or patronizing. Older users who aren’t familiar with technology often feel insecure while using it; a condescending message will only cause further insecurity and may turn them off from using the application altogether.
- Add labels to form elements
- font-size 16px minimum
- Icons and symbols are less clear, especially the hamburger menu. When using icons and symbols always pair them with text
- Strictly adhering to usability best practices—minimizing sublevels in navigation, keeping menus to a single function, etc.—is a good place to start when designing user interfaces for an aging population. Keeping the “return” function and the “home” navigation readily accessible serves as a sort of safe point on the interface, too.
- the buttons need to look like buttons, so they know what to click
- one click is better. Hard to make 2 clicks (too slow )
- they need limited access and prevention from error, especially of privacy and security concerns
- the design should be minimalistic (prioritize obviously and functionality over pretty), with a clear call to actions buttons and flow
- they need clear instructions for the next step
- they don’t understand slang, abbreviations, acronyms.
- some had until now limited contact with technology, therefore, they need usage guidance
- use high contrast color combination
- seniors may not understand things like scrolling or search functionality
- leave breadcrumbs to steer users towards relevant sections of the website.
- They will most likely use the help function or tutorials when they run into problems. This should be easy and clear designed.
- when designing apps specifically for older adults: be careful to use clear, objective and educational language without being condescending or patronizing. Older users who aren’t familiar with technology often feel insecure while using it; a condescending message will only cause further insecurity and may turn them off from using the application altogether.
- Add labels to form elements
- font-size 16px minimum
- Icons and symbols are less clear, especially the hamburger menu. When using icons and symbols always pair them with text
- Strictly adhering to usability best practices—minimizing sublevels in navigation, keeping menus to a single function, etc.—is a good place to start when designing user interfaces for an aging population. Keeping the “return” function and the “home” navigation readily accessible serves as a sort of safe point on the interface, too.
Old people want to continue to learn.
Old people are interested in the use of technology / digital devices also.
Old people are interested in the use of technology / digital devices also.