Designing for older people: But who is an older person?

Raghavendra Gudur, Alethea Blackler, Vesna Popovic, Doug Mahar

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

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Abstract

This paper explores a critical aspect of designing for older people. It argues that we need a clear description of who is “an older person”. Or, when a person starts being old from middle age. Research has well established that there is greater variability in abilities among older than among younger people. This often creates problems in designing intuitive product interfaces for this target group. Intuitive design is basically about developing interfaces that reflect target users’ familiarity. However, when the target group are very diverse in their capabilities and familiarity it makes is extremely difficult to design intuitive interfaces. Our research suggests that the main reason for this predicament is due to excessive focus on chronological ageing. And, if we look at a target group based more on their cognitive abilities instead- it will provide us much more effective approach in dealing with this problem
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of DRS 2016
EditorsPeter Lloyd, Erik Bohemia
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherDesign Research Society
Pages3251-3263
Number of pages13
Volume8
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event2016 Design Research Society 50th Anniversary Conference - Brighton, United Kingdom
Duration: 27 Jun 201630 Jun 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of DRS
PublisherDesign Research Society
ISSN (Print)2398-3132

Conference

Conference2016 Design Research Society 50th Anniversary Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityBrighton
Period27/06/1630/06/16

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