Design patterns to enhance accessibility and use of social applications for older adults

 Huizilopoztli Luna-García, Zacateca (Mexico)

 Ricardo Mendoza-González, Aguascalientes (Mexico)

 Francisco-Javier Álvarez-Rodríguez, Aguascalientes (Mexico)

https://doi.org/10.3916/C45-2015-09

Keywords

Accessibility, usability, elder, digital divide, digital inclusion, social interaction, social networks, interaction patterns

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a non-exhaustive set of 36 design patterns for interactive social applications used by older adults. This proposal represents a reliable starting point for designers/developers to easily incorporate usability in interfaces for said technology promoting technology acceptance, use and adoption among older adults. The proposed patterns were based on previous efforts commonly presented as a design criteria and guidelines to describe usability issues in this kind of interfaces, reinforcing those alternatives by specifying related usability issues and providing solutions in a pattern-fashion useful for designers/developers. Pertinence of the patterns was analyzed through a usability study implementing «heuristic evaluation» technique (frequently used in Human-Computer Interaction to obtain users’ perception on a particular design). The study was conducted from two perspectives: the vantage point from experts, and the perception of a social group of older adults. The analysis revealed the proposed patterns are conducive to create well-designed interfaces able to provide a better user experience, encouraging a positive impact in the quality of life in older adults.

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Technical information

Received: 30-10-2014

Revised: 15-11-2014

Accepted: 15-01-2015

Preprint: 15-04-2015

Publication date: 01-07-2015

Article revision time: 16 days | Average time revision issue 45: 46 days

Article acceptance time: 77 days | Average time of acceptance issue 45: 127 days

Preprint editing time: 198 days | Average editing time preprint issue 45: 247 days

Article editing time: 243 days | Average editing time issue 45: 292 days

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