User interface design and usability are important aspects of any information system, especially for older adults who may have different needs and preferences than younger users. In this article, you will learn some tips and principles on how to design a user interface that is easy for older adults to use, based on research and best practices.
The first step in designing a user interface that is easy for older adults to use is to understand who your users are, what they want to achieve, and what challenges they face. Older adults are not a homogeneous group, but they may share some common characteristics, such as reduced vision, hearing, memory, or motor skills, as well as different levels of digital literacy and experience. You can use various methods, such as surveys, interviews, personas, or user testing, to gather information about your users and their goals, needs, preferences, and expectations.
La clave para entender a las personas mayores radica en la creación de grupos de usuarios, los cuales pueden ser facilitados mediante la colaboración con instituciones públicas o privadas, tales como centros de día o residencias de descanso. Estas plataformas proporcionan un entorno propicio para la interacción y el intercambio de experiencias, permitiendo así una comprensión más profunda de sus necesidades, preferencias y perspectivas. La participación en estas comunidades también favorece el desarrollo de programas y servicios adaptados a las particularidades de este segmento de la población, promoviendo su bienestar y calidad de vida de manera integral.
The second step in designing a user interface that is easy for older adults to use is to choose fonts and colors that are clear, readable, and consistent. Fonts should be large enough, at least 12 points, and have high contrast with the background. Avoid using fancy or decorative fonts, as well as all caps or italics, which can be hard to read. Colors should also have high contrast and avoid using too many or too bright colors, which can be distracting or confusing. Use colors to convey meaning, such as highlighting important information or indicating actions, but avoid relying on colors alone, as some older adults may have color vision deficiencies.
Adoptar buenas prácticas implica seguir las directrices de la W3C y colaborar con empresas de accesibilidad digital. Esto garantiza la creación de contenido web inclusivo y accesible para diversos usuarios. Siguiendo las pautas de la W3C, se consideran las distintas necesidades y habilidades de la audiencia. La colaboración con empresas especializadas impulsa el desarrollo de estrategias, herramientas y soluciones para asegurar la usabilidad equitativa en entornos digitales. La sinergia entre seguir estándares reconocidos y trabajar con expertos en accesibilidad contribuye significativamente a crear experiencias en línea más amigables y accesibles para todos.
The third step in designing a user interface that is easy for older adults to use is to simplify the layout and navigation of your system. Layout refers to how the elements of your user interface are arranged on the screen, while navigation refers to how the users can move from one screen or function to another. Layout should be simple, clean, and consistent, with enough white space and clear headings and labels. Avoid cluttering the screen with too many or too small elements, which can overwhelm or confuse the users. Navigation should be intuitive, logical, and visible, with clear and descriptive buttons, menus, and links. Avoid using hidden or complex navigation, such as drop-down menus, tabs, or icons, which can be hard to find or understand.
La simplificación de elementos debe ir acompañada de coherencia entre interfaces. Evitar el abuso de espacios en blanco y recursos minimalistas es esencial. La armonía visual entre elementos es crucial para una experiencia equilibrada. La simplicidad no debe comprometer la cohesión, y es crucial evitar la sobre utilización de espacios vacíos o elementos minimalistas, ya que esto puede afectar negativamente la usabilidad y la estética general de las interfaces.
The fourth step in designing a user interface that is easy for older adults to use is to provide feedback and guidance to your users. Feedback refers to how the system responds to the user's actions, while guidance refers to how the system helps the user to complete a task or solve a problem. Feedback should be timely, clear, and positive, with sounds, messages, or animations that indicate the status or outcome of the user's actions. Avoid using feedback that is too subtle, vague, or negative, which can frustrate or discourage the users. Guidance should be available, relevant, and supportive, with help buttons, tooltips, or instructions that explain how to use the system or what to do next. Avoid using guidance that is too intrusive, irrelevant, or complicated, which can annoy or confuse the users.
Aunque no es una norma absoluta, la mayoría de los adultos mayores experimentaron una educación donde el error resultaba en humillación pública. Es crucial crear entornos seguros que eviten que las personas se sientan atacadas o expuestas, reconociendo el impacto de experiencias previas. Fomentar un ambiente comprensivo y libre de juicios es esencial para facilitar la participación y el aprendizaje sin temor al ridículo. Esta consideración hacia las experiencias pasadas contribuye a construir relaciones de confianza y promover un enfoque más positivo hacia el aprendizaje y la participación activa en nuevos contextos.
The fifth step in designing a user interface that is easy for older adults to use is to adapt to the user's needs and preferences. Adaptation refers to how the system can change or customize its features or functions according to the user's behavior, context, or choices. Adaptation can enhance the user's experience, satisfaction, and performance, by providing personalized or optimal options or solutions. For example, you can allow the user to adjust the font size, color, or brightness of the screen, or to choose the language, voice, or speed of the system. You can also use adaptive menus, recommendations, or reminders, based on the user's previous actions, preferences, or goals.
The sixth and final step in designing a user interface that is easy for older adults to use is to test and evaluate your user interface with real users. Testing and evaluation are essential to ensure that your user interface meets the user's requirements, expectations, and satisfaction, as well as the usability standards and criteria. You can use various methods, such as usability testing, heuristic evaluation, or user feedback, to collect data and insights about the user's behavior, experience, and opinions on your user interface. You can then use this data and insights to identify and fix any problems, issues, or errors, or to make any improvements, enhancements, or changes to your user interface.
Include the all functions list. Depending on your definition of older, people in the population prefer to choose actions from a list rather than having to remember the action they want is buried two layers deep under an Icon.