Inclusive interface design for seniors: Image‐browsing for a health information context

Abstract

This study explores an image-based retrieval interface for drug information, focusing on usability for a specific population-seniors. Qualitative, task-based interviews examined participants' health information behaviors and documented search strategies using an existing database (www.drugs.com) and a new prototype that uses similarity-based clustering of pill images for retrieval. Twelve participants (aged 65 and older), reflecting a diversity of backgrounds and experience with Web-based resources, located pill information using the interfaces and discussed navigational and other search preferences. Findings point to design features (e.g., image enlargement) that meet seniors' needs in the context of other health-related information-seeking strategies (e.g., contacting pharmacists).

Improving older adults' e-health literacy through computer training using NIH online resources

“…Existing interventions focus predominantly on simplifying medical materials and instructions (Andrus & Roth, 2002; Parker & Kreps, 2005; Schaefer, 2008). Along this line, consumer health informatics researchers have recently begun to explore how technology can be designed to make it easier for users to access and use high-quality health information (Alpay, Verhoef, Xie, Te’eni, & Zwetsloot-Schonk, 2009; Given, Ruecker, Simpson, Sadler, & Ruskin, 2007; Robins et al, 2010; Stvilia et al, 2009). These approaches can certainly help narrow the gap between expected and actual health literacy levels.…”

Redesigning websites for older adults: a case study

“…The project was carried out by a mixed team involving industry and academia and involved specific challenges of designing for and working with older people. Given et al (2007) present an image-based retrieval interface for drug information, focusing on usability for seniors, on the basis of qualitative, task-based interviews that examined participants' health information behaviours and documented search strategies.…”

“…Related work has developed in various dimensions: many studies of older adults' use of the web have identified respective requirements and obstacles in use (e.g. Becker 2004, Priest et al 2007, Sayago and Blat 2009); a number of design and development guidelines have been proposed (Kurniawan andZaphiris 2005, Morrell 2005) to enhance the usability and accessibility of the Web for older adults; several websites have been evaluated on the basis of guidelines (Chisnell and Redish 2005, Hart et al 2008, Zaphiris et al 2009); and last but not least a number of websites have been developed and evaluated for/with older adults' participation (Chadwick-Dias et al 2003, Newell et al 2006, Given et al 2007, Subasi et al 2011.…”

Showcase Browsing with Texttiles 2.0 and BubbleLines

“…The Pill browser is a browser designed to inspect a collection of medication tablets and capsules according to their physical appearance. A user study with senior citizens revealed the necessity of displaying alternative images (Given et al, 2007). Users were unable to discriminate between pills due to the pills having very similar faces, even though they had different profiles.…”

“…Several experimental interface prototypes have been developed based on these principles (e.g., Given, Ruecker, Simpson, Sadler, & Ruskin, 2007;Ruecker, 2006;Giacometti, Ruecker, Craig, Dersken, & Radzikowska, 2008). These prototypes have served as a confirmation of the value of rich-prospect browsing and have also brought us closer to understanding its use, and highlighted some important concepts to complement the original theory.…”