DESIGNING USER INTERFACES FOR OLDER ADULTS

As the computer industry pub more emphasis on software interface desig n, the average user has found today's applications more powerful and e asier to use. However, many older adults still find the technology awk ward and confusing. The physical and behavioral characteristics of sen iors that prevent them from using popular applications are examined to identify possible software solutions. The results of a survey of olde r adults also are presented. This survey was conducted to help determi ne the effect these characteristics have on older adults' computer ski lls. Finally, several software solutions are proposed, and a prototype implementation of these solutions is given.