Designing for Senior Users
We’ve heard about the global phenomenon of a population that is aging, yet there are very little talks about what design strategies should be used for them. Other than the classical stereotypes - louder volume, slower pace yet not condescending, pitch within a certain range, more information, etc. – the impact this tech-savvy population will have on how interfaces are being designed is still vague and uncertain.
Quick fact: currently, the population under the age of 5 years old exceeds those above the age of 65. It is estimated that within the next 8 years, that trend will reverse. By 2050? They will double the number of people under the age of 5.
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So, if we were to consider all the things that will change around us to accommodate those users – from healthcare products and services to how stores are arranged and houses are build – it should be easy to realize the wide range of possibilities and opportunities to improve interactions – from how information is provided to what types and levels and services are expected both from automated self-service solutions as well as live human beings.
Maybe getting serious about the topic and continuing research will finally take over the assumptions and stereotypes that so often appear in most user designs…
Hi Eduardo,
Part of the “problem” as time goes on is that the definition of “senior” is not changing as people are living longer. And there’s a growing disparity between the abilities of the aging. You can get a AARP membership at 55! (In fact, I think that they enroll you automatically…) and social security retirement can start at 65.
However, as people are living longer, there are some of those whose faculties remain strong throughout their lives. Others will not.
The stereotypes are / were appropriate and grew from the general limitations people experienced as they grew older.
Todd
Totally agree, the relationship between age and abilities is not as strong as it used to be and should not be used anymore as a driver for design.
But the other trend I’m seeing is that even though “physical” limitations are likely to require certain design adaptations (some of which might be driven from those old stereotypes), most companies stop there without taking into consideration the evolving “user” requirements which would exactly reflect those changes in their abilities, along with changes in other important areas such as their concerns, their goals, their objectives, their preferences, their values, etc.