Considerations in Designing Human-Computer Interfaces for Elderly People

Abstract

Abstract-As computing devices continue to become more heavily integrated into our lives, proper design of human-computer interfaces becomes a more important topic of discussion. Efficient and useful human-computer interfaces need to take into account the abilities of the humans who will be using such interfaces, and adapt to difficulties that different users may face -such as the difficulties that elderly users must deal with. Interfaces that allow for user-specific customization, while taking into account the multiple difficulties that older users might face, can assist the elderly in properly using these newer computing devices, and in doing so possibly achieving a better quality of life through the advanced technological support that these devices offer. In this paper, we explore common problems the elderly face when using computing devices and solutions developed for these problems.Difficulties ultimately fall into several categories: cognition, auditory, haptic, visual, and motor-based troubles. We also present an idea for a new adaptive operating system with advanced customizations that would simplify computing for older users.

Usability Study of Smart Phone Messaging for Elderly and Low-literate Users

“…Senior Citizen or Elderly is defined those are aged sixty and above [18]. But still, there are different types of Elderly exist in our society according to their ability.…”

“…Smartphone usability measurement is different because touch screen allows direct interaction using fingers to register a button press by objects (button text and icon), moreover smaller object leads to finger occlusion and wrong point of the press [6], [11], [14], [40]. The Elderly always target to press the target button but due to motor problem, they press outside of the target object and press the target object more or less time it needs to register the request [7], [14], [18], [25], [40][41].…”

“…The usability refers to user satisfaction, how effective and efficient way to complete the task with the given interface with less error [5], [16]. Because smartphone is equipped with touchscreen instead of button keypad [6], limited screen size 3.2" up to 12.9" [17], poorly design for the senior adults which is very hard to adapt [18][19], icons are very small in size [20][21], text entry which refers to incorrect input [18], [22], inconsistence navigation to go next page or previous page [7], [23], and hand/motor function is slow compared to the younger user which required touch operation [24][25]. The mobile manufacturing companies are developing mobile layout according to the trend to do commercialized their product.…”

Creating a smart application system to provide a beneficial maintenance service for elderly drivers

“…Elderly users might also experience difficulties understanding compound and large amounts of text, and following long and complicated instructions [3]. If a lot of unfamiliar information is displayed on the vehicle system, they could have a higher chance of getting lost when trying to manage the system.…”

Cloud-Based Synchronization for Interface Settings for Older Adults

“…As the number of older adults increases, additional effort is put forth to ensure their comfort and happiness. Computer applications have been noted to show great promise in assisting the elderly user [2], but existing applications can often be difficult to use for the older adult [3]. When creating applications, designers often target a general user -and in doing so, design an application that can be difficult to use for those with different abilities.…”