Usability Is Ageless: Conducting Usability Tests with Older Adults

2019 ◽  
pp. 99-114
Author(s):  
Rachel Franz ◽  
Barbara Barbosa Neves
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Usability Tests

scholarly journals The Dutch COVID-19 Contact Tracing App (the CoronaMelder): Usability Study

10.2196/27882 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. e27882
Author(s):  
Britt Elise Bente ◽  
Jan Willem Jaap Roderick van 't Klooster ◽  
Maud Annemarie Schreijer ◽  
Lea Berkemeier ◽  
Joris Elmar van Gend ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Usability Tests ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Lower Education

Background Adoption and evaluation of contact tracing tools based on information and communications technology may expand the reach and efficacy of traditional contact tracing methods in fighting COVID-19. The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports initiated and developed CoronaMelder, a COVID-19 contact tracing app. This app is based on a Google/Apple Exposure Notification approach and aims to combat the spread of the coronavirus among individuals by notifying those who are at increased risk of infection due to proximity to someone who later tests positive for COVID-19. The app should support traditional contact tracing by faster tracing and greater reach compared to regular contact tracing procedures. Objective The main goal of this study is to investigate whether the CoronaMelder is able to support traditional contact tracing employed by public health authorities. To achieve this, usability tests were conducted to answer the following question: is the CoronaMelder user-friendly, understandable, reliable and credible, and inclusive? Methods Participants (N=44) of different backgrounds were recruited: youth with varying educational levels, youth with an intellectual disability, migrants, adults (aged 40-64 years), and older adults (aged >65 years) via convenience sampling in the region of Twente in the Netherlands. The app was evaluated with scenario-based, think-aloud usability tests and additional interviews. Findings were recorded via voice recordings, observation notes, and the Dutch User Experience Questionnaire, and some participants wore eye trackers to measure gaze behavior. Results Our results showed that the app is easy to use, although problems occurred with understandability and accessibility. Older adults and youth with a lower education level did not understand why or under what circumstances they would receive notifications, why they must share their key (ie, their assigned identifier), and what happens after sharing. In particular, youth in the lower-education category did not trust or understand Bluetooth signals, or comprehend timing and follow-up activities after a risk exposure notification. Older adults had difficulties multitasking (speaking with a public health worker and simultaneously sharing the key in the app). Public health authorities appeared to be unprepared to receive support from the app during traditional contact tracing because their telephone conversation protocol lacks guidance, explanation, and empathy. Conclusions The study indicated that the CoronaMelder app is easy to use, but participants experienced misunderstandings about its functioning. The perceived lack of clarity led to misconceptions about the app, mostly regarding its usefulness and privacy-preserving mechanisms. Tailored and targeted communication through, for example, public campaigns or social media, is necessary to provide correct information about the app to residents in the Netherlands. Additionally, the app should be presented as part of the national coronavirus measures instead of as a stand-alone app offered to the public. Public health workers should be trained to effectively and empathetically instruct users on how to use the CoronaMelder app.

scholarly journals A Pilot Study of an Innovative Model of Care Delivery: Service Robot for Older People with Dementia in a Rural Community

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 927-928
Author(s):  
Kuan-Yuan Wang ◽  
Cheng-Sheng Chen ◽  
Hui-Mei Chen ◽  
I-Te Chen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Older People ◽  
Service Robots ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Usability Tests ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
People With Dementia

Abstract Background: The telehealth approach offers enhanced service delivery for older patients living in rural areas. Purpose: We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of using the Zenbo robot to improve the quality of care of elderly individuals with dementia. Methodology: In this study, we developed a digital solution on service robots and smart devices, which can leverage the capacity of the user-friendly interactive interface and digital dialog system. A group of eleven volunteered older adults was selected for this study. To assess the likability and acceptance of the Zenbo, we conducted a one-on-one (robot vs human) pilot study in our long-term care stations. Each participant engaged in conversational interactions for five consecutive days and completed a survey of 12 questions about the experiences they had with the Zenbo, at the beginning and the end of the study respectively. Results: Subjects with lower GDS-15 scores have more positive attitudes toward the robot before the intervention. 27% of older adults had an increase in positive attitudes toward the interaction with the Zenbo robot. With the aid of teleoperated mobile robotic systems at home, the innovative service model can be achieved through telecommunication between primary health professionals or caregivers at remote locations and psychiatrists at the medical center to make the seamless care environment real. Conclusion: The IoT technologies can be used to assist physicians in switching from a hospital-centered model of care to a home-based service for older people with dementia. It merits more future clinical trials and usability tests.

scholarly journals ActiveAdvice – A multi-purpose platform for Ambient Assisted Living: a user experience and usability study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diogo Abrantes ◽  
Soraia Teles ◽  
Rita Tavares de Sousa ◽  
Alberto Freitas ◽  
Pedro Vieira-Marques ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
Ambient Assisted Living ◽  
End Users ◽  
Information Architecture ◽  
World Population ◽  
Design Information ◽  
Usability Tests

BACKGROUND The world population is experiencing a demographic shift, which translates into a rising proportion of older people among their inhabitants. This is slowly making way for new markets for care products and services to open. The desire of older people to maintain their independence, while remaining at home, boosted the development of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) solutions, which can assist them in a variety of ways, in line with their needs when growing older. OBJECTIVE The lack of dissemination of the area, paired with an absence of user-centered and participatory design approaches in these products' development, sided by the low level of adoption of technology by older adults, hinders the uptake of these solutions. The ActiveAdvice platform aims to deliver a web environment for older adults and their relatives, AAL business representatives, as well as governments and municipalities involved in ageing issues across Europe, offering a holistic market overview of AAL products and services, and combining it with a group of valuable functionalities. METHODS Usability tests were performed on the developed platform among a section of its identified end users, in order to evaluate the level of interest, feasibility and usability. The general goal was ultimately to identify the extent to which the interface facilitated a user's ability and motivation to navigate the platform. Therefore, the tests aimed to analyze the usability and attractiveness of the web interface design, information flow, and information architecture by resourcing to the collection of both objective and subjective measures. These would include pre and post-test surveys, along with a series of think-aloud tasks to be performed within the platform. RESULTS Outcomes clarified that the platform's functionalities are mostly aligned with the needs and expectations of the selected end users, as they are actually interested in using it, provided the interaction is simple and familiar. The tests still advocate for an improved design at some points and better disclosure of information, although task completion rates were high, and participants had a satisfying experience when navigating the platform, mostly brought by the recognition of a sense of purpose. CONCLUSIONS The AAL field could definitely benefit from more tools of knowledge and promulgation, so there is a need to create a functional platform which is to be used not only by older adults but also caretakers, business owners and governmental employees. Not only that, but simultaneously being responsible for disseminating the importance of AAL, available solutions, and how they can improve one's quality of life. It can be challenging, but the findings enlightened us on a few peculiarities on interface design, information architecture, user needs and preferred functionalities, which should be applied on future developments of similar platforms with related services.

scholarly journals Feasibility Study of a Tablet-Based Intervention to Enhance the Meaning in Life Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 256-256
Author(s):  
Seok In Nam ◽  
Sangyoon Han
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Acceptance Commitment Therapy ◽  
Usability Tests ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Recommendations to improve older adults' health and well-being focus on enhancing meaning in life through social interaction. Research studies have suggested that a tablet-based intervention can create opportunities to enhance meaning in life, thus reducing social isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a tablet-based intervention to enhance meaning in life among older adults. Senior Meaning in Life Enhancement (SMiLE) is a tablet-based application developed and implemented based on person-centered counseling, logotherapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). Thirty-one participants (adults aged over 65 years) were randomized for intervention (n = 15) or waitlist control (n = 16). The intervention group received a tablet with our embedded app. Participants were invited to participate in the app-based 2-month program for 30-minutes each day with the tablet. We evaluated pre-and post-semi-structured interviews, meaning in life scales, and usability tests. Data were analyzed using thematic analyses, descriptive statistics, and Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. Findings confirmed that at two months after the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in the gap between pre-and post-meaning in life scores between the two groups (Z = -2.08, p < .05). Furthermore, qualitative findings included positive changes in behavior, relationships, and usability. This pilot study suggests the feasibility of a tablet-based intervention in older adults and demonstrates its potential benefit for meaning in life. These findings are valuable to researchers, practitioners, and designers interested in technological interventions for older adults.

Can Digital Technology Enhance Social Connectedness Among Older Adults? A Feasibility Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Barbosa Neves ◽  
Rachel Franz ◽  
Rebecca Judges ◽  
Christian Beermann ◽  
Ron Baecker
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Psychometric Scales ◽  
Usability Tests ◽  
Technological Interventions

This study examined the feasibility of a novel communication technology to enhance social connectedness among older adults in residential care. Research suggests that technology can create opportunities for social connectedness, helping alleviate social isolation and loneliness. Studies on implementation and feasibility of such technological interventions, particularly among frail and institutionalized older adults, are scant. Data were gathered in a 3-month deployment with 12 older adults, including semistructured interviews with participants and relatives/friends, psychometric scales, field observations, and usability tests. Data were analyzed with qualitative profiling, thematic analysis, and Friedman tests. The technology was a feasible communication tool, although requiring an adaptation period. Use increased perceived social interaction with ties, but increased social connectedness (meaningful social interaction) was only reported by participants with geographically distant relatives. Sense of well-being and confidence with technology was enhanced, but negative effects were also observed. Findings are useful for researchers and practitioners interested in technological interventions.

Cognitive control constrains memory attributions

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen M. Kelley ◽  
Larry L. Jacoby
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Cognitive Control

Abstract Cognitive control constrains retrieval processing and so restricts what comes to mind as input to the attribution system. We review evidence that older adults, patients with Alzheimer's disease, and people with traumatic brain injury exert less cognitive control during retrieval, and so are susceptible to memory misattributions in the form of dramatic levels of false remembering.

Cognitive Load Affects Speech Motor Performance Differently in Older and Younger Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 1258-1277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan K. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Incongruent Condition ◽  
Sentence Production ◽  
Movement Duration ◽  
Production Task ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Speech Motor

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the impact of cognitive load imposed by a speech production task on the speech motor performance of healthy older and younger adults. Response inhibition, selective attention, and working memory were the primary cognitive processes of interest.MethodTwelve healthy older and 12 healthy younger adults produced multiple repetitions of 4 sentences containing an embedded Stroop task in 2 cognitive load conditions: congruent and incongruent. The incongruent condition, which required participants to suppress orthographic information to say the font colors in which color words were written, represented an increase in cognitive load relative to the congruent condition in which word text and font color matched. Kinematic measures of articulatory coordination variability and movement duration as well as a behavioral measure of sentence production accuracy were compared between groups and conditions and across 3 sentence segments (pre-, during-, and post-Stroop).ResultsIncreased cognitive load in the incongruent condition was associated with increased articulatory coordination variability and movement duration, compared to the congruent Stroop condition, for both age groups. Overall, the effect of increased cognitive load was greater for older adults than younger adults and was greatest in the portion of the sentence in which cognitive load was manipulated (during-Stroop), followed by the pre-Stroop segment. Sentence production accuracy was reduced for older adults in the incongruent condition.ConclusionsIncreased cognitive load involving response inhibition, selective attention, and working memory processes within a speech production task disrupted both the stability and timing with which speech was produced by both age groups. Older adults' speech motor performance may have been more affected due to age-related changes in cognitive and motoric functions that result in altered motor cognition.

Effects of Aging on the Subcortical Encoding of Stop Consonants

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-403
Author(s):  
Dania Rishiq ◽  
Ashley Harkrider ◽  
Cary Springer ◽  
Mark Hedrick
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Auditory Brainstem ◽  
Auditory Brainstem Responses ◽  
Aging Effects ◽  
Formant Frequency ◽  
Place Of Articulation ◽  
Second Formant ◽  
Effects Of Aging

Purpose The main purpose of this study was to evaluate aging effects on the predominantly subcortical (brainstem) encoding of the second-formant frequency transition, an essential acoustic cue for perceiving place of articulation. Method Synthetic consonant–vowel syllables varying in second-formant onset frequency (i.e., /ba/, /da/, and /ga/ stimuli) were used to elicit speech-evoked auditory brainstem responses (speech-ABRs) in 16 young adults ( M age = 21 years) and 11 older adults ( M age = 59 years). Repeated-measures mixed-model analyses of variance were performed on the latencies and amplitudes of the speech-ABR peaks. Fixed factors were phoneme (repeated measures on three levels: /b/ vs. /d/ vs. /g/) and age (two levels: young vs. older). Results Speech-ABR differences were observed between the two groups (young vs. older adults). Specifically, older listeners showed generalized amplitude reductions for onset and major peaks. Significant Phoneme × Group interactions were not observed. Conclusions Results showed aging effects in speech-ABR amplitudes that may reflect diminished subcortical encoding of consonants in older listeners. These aging effects were not phoneme dependent as observed using the statistical methods of this study.

Partner-Specific Communication Deficits in Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Eun Jin Paek ◽  
Si On Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Referential Communication ◽  
Sorting Task ◽  
Audience Design ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Communication Task ◽  
Design Skills ◽  
Referential Expressions

Purpose Speakers adjust referential expressions to the listeners' knowledge while communicating, a phenomenon called “audience design.” While individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) show difficulties in discourse production, it is unclear whether they exhibit preserved partner-specific audience design. The current study examined if individuals with AD demonstrate partner-specific audience design skills. Method Ten adults with mild-to-moderate AD and 12 healthy older adults performed a referential communication task with two experimenters (E1 and E2). At first, E1 and participants completed an image-sorting task, allowing them to establish shared labels. Then, during testing, both experimenters were present in the room, and participants described images to either E1 or E2 (randomly alternating). Analyses focused on the number of words participants used to describe each image and whether they reused shared labels. Results During testing, participants in both groups produced shorter descriptions when describing familiar images versus new images, demonstrating their ability to learn novel knowledge. When they described familiar images, healthy older adults modified their expressions depending on the current partner's knowledge, producing shorter expressions and more established labels for the knowledgeable partner (E1) versus the naïve partner (E2), but individuals with AD were less likely to do so. Conclusions The current study revealed that both individuals with AD and the control participants were able to acquire novel knowledge, but individuals with AD tended not to flexibly adjust expressions depending on the partner's knowledge state. Conversational inefficiency and difficulties observed in AD may, in part, stem from disrupted audience design skills.

The Impact of Subjective and Objective Hearing Loss on Cognition and Memory in Older Adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Rogalski ◽  
Amy Rominger
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Reading Aloud ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Professional Collaboration ◽  
Cognitive Screening ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Text Passage ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Audiologic Evaluation

For this exploratory cross-disciplinary study, a speech-language pathologist and an audiologist collaborated to investigate the effects of objective and subjective hearing loss on cognition and memory in 11 older adults without hearing loss (OAs), 6 older adults with unaided hearing loss (HLOAs), and 16 young adults (YAs). All participants received cognitive testing and a complete audiologic evaluation including a subjective questionnaire about perceived hearing difficulty. Memory testing involved listening to or reading aloud a text passage then verbally recalling the information. Key findings revealed that objective hearing loss and subjective hearing loss were correlated and both were associated with a cognitive screening test. Potential clinical implications are discussed and include a need for more cross-professional collaboration in assessing older adults with hearing loss.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document