An analysis of application usage for notes and reminders by older persons-ElderNote Case study

Abstract

Population ageing represents an opportunity and a challenge for Gerontechnology innovation. The usability should be considered in the design of applications on mobile devices for older users because as we age, cognitive functions begin to decline and older people may have more difficulty to cope with managing a eventfully daily routine, even those experiencing a healthy ageing process. Thus, the opportunities that may be brought by the use of smartphones and solutions for the daily difficulties are still in demand. Therefore, co-design and focus on preferences and needs are necessary in order to make applications for mobile devices really accessible to older users. From data collected in a previous study, the authors developed a note-taking application with older user centered design for aid routine management. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use by older users of this note-taking application, named ElderNote. The study involved a sample of 21 Brazilian older users of tablets and smartphones. Results showed that the reminder app designed for an older audience is accessible and have good usability, according to the performance of the older users' participants.