Multiple notification modalities and older users

Abstract

Multimodal interaction can make home care reminder systems more accessible to their users, most of whom are older and/or have sensory impairments. Existing research into the properties of different notification modalities have used younger participants rather than members of the older population at which they are aimed. This paper presents the results of a user study with older adults that examined how different notification modalities affected (a) performance in a card matching game and (b) how effective the different modalities were at delivering information. Participants were all aged over 50 and notifications were delivered using textual, pictographic, abstract visual, speech, Earcon, Auditory Icon, tactile and olfactory modalities while playing the game. The results showed that older users were influenced by the same factors as younger users, yet there were subjective differences. The implications for the design of multimodal reminder systems for home care are discussed.

ForgetMeNot

“…Future studies could test UPs which would balance nuisance with timely prompting. For example, some modalities of notification may be less disruptive than others [20,33]. It is telling that, despite two participants reporting that the UPs were annoying, they still entered more reminders into the app during the UPs phase compared to the non-UPs phase.…”

Are Notifications a Challenge for Older People?: A Study Comparing Two Types of Notifications

“…[18] and use voice notifications for smart homes [28]. Warnock et al (2013) studied the different types of notifications for elderly users, finding that independent of any modality of notification (e.g a notification that requires an answer or can be ignored), younger and older users are affected in the same way when the performance and distraction are measured [38]. Umezu et al evaluated the usefulness of a mobile application integrating older adults into social activities.…”

“…According to available recommendations for designing interfaces for seniors [14], [19] (see Figure 3), we included features such as large font, tactile interaction, explicit messages, a simple interface, and high color contrast between font and background. Additionally, the application uses three different alarms that indicate the notification is active: visual (main bar), sound and vibration; because these sensory modalities may benefit people with sensory impairments [38]. …”

Re-imagining commonly used mobile interfaces for older adults

“…In homecare reminder systems, multimodal notifications have been successfully tested using visual, oral and olfactory modalities [18]. Stößel found that gestural interaction can have benefits over conventional key input for older adults [15].…”

“…In a study of requirements for reminder systems for tele-care [18], results suggested that developers should design for diversity, context, priorities, autonomy, shared spaces, and optimal care. The use of gaming in rehabilitation is another area of particular growth and challenges that could have considerable impact on the health and wellbeing of older adults (e.g.…”