Design and Evaluation of a Mobile User Interface for Older Adults: Navigation, Interaction and Visual Design Recommendations

Smartphones are becoming increasingly widespread around the globe and are ever more accessible to everyone, including older adults, who are traditionally seen as experiencing difficulties in interacting with information and communication technologies. While these devices are increasingly being used to cover health needs, there are not sufficient studies addressing usability of smartphone user interfaces for older adults. This paper describes the design and evaluation process of the user interface of a smartphone application designed to promote exercise and prevent falls amongst older adults. Iteratively, three successive versions of the user interfaces were tested with different groups of older adults. The results and findings from three rounds of usability tests led to recommendations regarding inclusive design and designing for older adults that may be a useful contribution to the broader community when designing interfaces for smartphones.