Interface design for older adults

ABSTRACT

As computers become available in more places and situations, particularly with increased use of the Web to disseminate information, it becomes increasingly necessary for older adults, and by this I mean people over 70, to gain access.This paper investigates the factors that seem to inhibit Web use by older adults, and explores aspects of human-computer interface design, which accommodate older users with age-associated disabilities. These disabilities typically include memory impairment, and cognitive and visual impairment, all of which vary from day to day and over longer time periods within an individual. Memory and good sight are crucial for using today's Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) with small buttons, multitasking windows and the requirement to build strategies at the interface in order to complete tasks.This paper draws upon the author's experience in designing a Web browser for visually impaired user's called BrookesTalk, which was subsequently customised for older adults with memory loss. It also shows the need for Design for Dynamic Diversity (DDD), an interface design approach, which accommodates design issues which come about as a result of changing user requirements related to older users' changing abilities.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Input devices and strategies (e.g., mouse, touchscreen)

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
design for dynamic diversity, interface design, memory impairment, older adults, speech output, visual impairment, web access