Insights on Older Adults’ Willingness, Motives and Experiences regarding Participation in HCI research

Abstract

User-centered and Participatory Design approaches have become widespread within HCI, also when designing digital media for older adults. These methodologies are seen as crucial to adapt technology design to older people's needs and increase their acceptance of digital technology. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to reach a diverse group of older people, for instance, people with limited technology skills, limited mobility, or cognitive issues. In addition, gerontologists criticized lately how older people's participation unfolds in technology design projects, e.g. that people are pushed into the role of users. Little is known about the motivations and needs of older adults regarding their participation in HCI research. To close this gap, we conducted an online survey (N=46) and semi-structured interviews (N=8) focusing on motivations, willingness and experiences regarding participation. Results show that people are generally willing to participate due to interest in the topic, learning new things and social bonding. However, despite the conceptions within HCI that long-term engagement is crucial within participatory design, older people in the study preferred less commitment and more open formats.