Aging with Technology
California College of the Arts: Senior Thesis
My mission is to understand the relationship between older adults and technology while bridging the generational gap.
Project Overview
The goal of this project is to explore and understand the fears and motivations of the elderly and their relationship with modern technology. We live in our close-knit, social circles. We are constantly generating and exchanging stories that we find to be relevant and timely. Many of the older generations are not a part of this circulation; it's not that they necessarily want to be excluded, but often because they are often intimidated by using these "intuitive" and "seamless" platforms.
Field Research
During the discovery phase, I started volunteering at a senior center and took senior-level “Computer 101” classes to gain insights. I observed and talked to over 35 seniors and learned that their motivation for using digital devices was to primarily connect with family and friends.
Key Findings
• Want to use or learn technology to better enhance experiences, and moments (interests, hobbies, communication with family and friends).
• Most of them have desktops and use them for finances, playing chess/checkers, emailing, and researching.
• Discovery of new technology happens through word-of-mouth and often requires family involvement for setting it up.
• The overload of information in terms of visual hierarchy and content can feel very daunting due to the cognitive adaptation of the devices as well as physiological disabilities such as weakening eyesight.
Validation
Talking to the experts in the field to validate my observations and insights ensured me that I was on the right path of discovery. They inspired me to keep learning and talking to my audience.
“So this Facebook, how does it work?”
I conducted some user tests with existing platforms such as Facebook. I had participants walk me through the process. At first, they were hesitant and found the information to be overwhelming. I had an AHA moment when I spontaneously used some sticky notes that I had on me and covered sections of the interface, revealing only one module at a time. To my (and their) surprise, they seemed to grasp it better!
Outcome & Key Takeaways
Based on the insights and findings, I created a browser extension called "InLoop" that creates an independent onboarding experience for anyone who wants to be 'in the loop' with their family and friends online, as well as those who simply want to learn how to navigate the virtual platforms, step-by-step. My work was exhibited in the 2015 Orbit Exhibition at Fuseproject and received an honorable mention in the CCA's Glance Magazine.
Modern platforms are inadvertently excluding our elders and pushing them off the social grid without even realizing it. During this project, I had come to a deep understanding that there's a dire need for adaptation for modes of accessible options for seniors, which are our highest-growing demographics.