A multi-method exploration: The use of mobile spiritual applications amongst older adults

Abstract

Gathering user requirements for older adults can be a complex and difficult process, in terms of working with them should be applied differently compared to general users. The agerelated ability changes are sensitive to be discussed and sometimes, the unwillingness might occur in this requirements gathering stage. It is important to underscore the importance and significance of this research in the light of proper requirements gathering techniques in working with older adults and this situation supported by the growing trend of older users' role in technology development included for mobile phone applications. Although many of the existing mobile applications are widely used and covers many aspects of daily routines included for spiritual-oriented mobile applications, there is still lacking of the mobile applications that have been used are well suited to older adult users. The study found that older adults were able to learn and use mobile spiritual apps. However, the methods of requirements gathering should be applied in an appropriate way, since religious and spirituality experiences are sensitive to be discussed in the public. This paper reports on a multi-method research effort that employed cultural probe workshop, written daily activity diaries, interviews, and participant observations to explore about mobile spiritual application use amongst older adults in Malaysia. The results are presented by reflecting on the authors' experience which highlight some suggestions on how cultural probe workshop and diary study activities may support the process of gathering user requirements for mobile spiritual applications amongst older adults.

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