Hi,
I'm catching with reading papers (which I had downloaded a while ago...) - in one particular paper by Joy Goodman - they did a survey in Scotland about older people's computer use (online and on paper). For the me the most interesting results:
* 47% of older users like simple games (solitare) - in my survey I had 2 people saying scrabble as interest, could be an interesting angle to motivate users to take part
* Jargon and complex language could be seen as a greater barrier than physical barriers - which confirms my assumption that language in the interface plays a crucial point
* Most older computer users learnt computer use through a course - call to review the design of courses to include certain topics
would love to be able to attach the pdf, but this is not possible on blog spot
full title: OLDER ADULTS’ USE OF COMPUTERS: A SURVEY
Monday, June 22, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Trust and Credibility
I'm catching up with reading and searching for papers etc
this one is a relevant paper, though from 2000 - it emphasizes how choosing the participants for PD is important and to generate trust and credibility... the users had a 12 week computer training course before starting the PD phase
Title: Increasing the Usability of Online Information for Older Users: A Case Study in Participatory Design
Authors: Ellis, R. Darin,Kurniawan, Sri H.
Source: International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction
Date: 2000
Abstract: Describes a participatory design (PD) study aimed at making display formats of Web sites that is user-friendly for older users in the United States. Methodology of PD; Impact of the flexibility of the presentation and organization of Web information on the older user population; Value of the scientific literature on older computer users.
this one is a relevant paper, though from 2000 - it emphasizes how choosing the participants for PD is important and to generate trust and credibility... the users had a 12 week computer training course before starting the PD phase
Title: Increasing the Usability of Online Information for Older Users: A Case Study in Participatory Design
Authors: Ellis, R. Darin,Kurniawan, Sri H.
Source: International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction
Date: 2000
Abstract: Describes a participatory design (PD) study aimed at making display formats of Web sites that is user-friendly for older users in the United States. Methodology of PD; Impact of the flexibility of the presentation and organization of Web information on the older user population; Value of the scientific literature on older computer users.
Effects of the recession on older consumers (50+)
From Dick Strout's Marketing 50+ newsletter:
Note: Not sure how he investigated, but for me it was interesting to read again that most of the savings and investment assets are with people over 50+ years
Summary
Over 25% say the recession has had little or no effect with a third reporting that they have not changed their spending patterns.
Over 60% say the recession has resulted in them only making a few cutbacks in their expenditure.
Despite older people holding 80% of savings and investment assets in the UK, the fall in interest rates has seriously affected only 20% of respondents.
Not all of the news is so positive - 12% have cut back drastically on spending.
The banks and the Labour Government are blamed for the economic problems resulting in a significant swing to the Conservatives and minority parties.
The 50-plus are giving far more financial support to their families than they are receiving.
Charitable donations have been badly, and I mean badly, hit by the recession.
read more
Note: Not sure how he investigated, but for me it was interesting to read again that most of the savings and investment assets are with people over 50+ years
Summary
Over 25% say the recession has had little or no effect with a third reporting that they have not changed their spending patterns.
Over 60% say the recession has resulted in them only making a few cutbacks in their expenditure.
Despite older people holding 80% of savings and investment assets in the UK, the fall in interest rates has seriously affected only 20% of respondents.
Not all of the news is so positive - 12% have cut back drastically on spending.
The banks and the Labour Government are blamed for the economic problems resulting in a significant swing to the Conservatives and minority parties.
The 50-plus are giving far more financial support to their families than they are receiving.
Charitable donations have been badly, and I mean badly, hit by the recession.
read more
Monday, June 1, 2009
In the US, even the homeless stay connected
from another blog - but I thought this was very interesting:
Homeless and online The Wall Street Journal reports on the use of the internet by homeless people in San Francisco.
“A few years ago, some people were worrying that a “digital divide” would separate technology haves and have-nots. The poorest lack the means to buy computers and Web access. Still, in America today, even people without street addresses feel compelled to have Internet addresses.”
The photos are great, and so are some of the quotes:
“When he realized he would be homeless, Mr. Livingston bought a sturdy backpack to store his gear, a padlock for his footlocker at the shelter and a $25 annual premium Flickr account to display the digital photos he takes.”
But it also shows to what extent the internet in the developed world is still a computer-based phenomenon, in contrast to emerging markets where it is largely mobile.
Full story
Homeless and online The Wall Street Journal reports on the use of the internet by homeless people in San Francisco.
“A few years ago, some people were worrying that a “digital divide” would separate technology haves and have-nots. The poorest lack the means to buy computers and Web access. Still, in America today, even people without street addresses feel compelled to have Internet addresses.”
The photos are great, and so are some of the quotes:
“When he realized he would be homeless, Mr. Livingston bought a sturdy backpack to store his gear, a padlock for his footlocker at the shelter and a $25 annual premium Flickr account to display the digital photos he takes.”
But it also shows to what extent the internet in the developed world is still a computer-based phenomenon, in contrast to emerging markets where it is largely mobile.
Full story
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