Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

6 p.

Publication Date

2013

Publisher

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Source Publication

2013 13th International Conference on Quality Software (QSIC)

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1109/QSIC.2013.36

Abstract

As computing devices continue to become more heavily integrated into our lives, proper design of human-computer interfaces becomes a more important topic of discussion. Efficient and useful human-computer interfaces need to take into account the abilities of the humans who will be using such interfaces, and adapt to difficulties that different users may face – such as the difficulties that elderly users must deal with. Interfaces that allow for user-specific customization, while taking into account the multiple difficulties that older users might face, can assist the elderly in properly using these newer computing devices, and in doing so possibly achieving a better quality of life through the advanced technological support that these devices offer. In this paper, we explore common problems the elderly face when using computing devices and solutions developed for these problems. Difficulties ultimately fall into several categories: cognition, auditory, haptic, visual, and motor-based troubles. We also present an idea for a new adaptive operating system with advanced customizations that would simplify computing for older users.

Comments

Published version. 2013 13th International Conference on Quality Software (QSIC) (2013): 372-377. DOI. © 2013 IEEE. Reprinted, with permission, from Drew Williams, Mohammad Alam, Sheikh Ahamed and William Chu, "Considerations in Designing Human-Computer Interfaces for Elderly People," 2013 13th International Conference on Quality Software (QSIC), 2013.

Share

COinS