article

Learning to use new technologies by older adults: Perceived difficulties, experimentation behaviour and usability

Authors:

Yvonne Barnard,

Mike D. Bradley,

Frances Hodgson,

Ashley D. LloydAuthors Info & Claims

Computers in Human Behavior, Volume 29, Issue 4

Pages 1715 - 1724

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.02.006

Published: 01 July 2013 Publication History

Abstract

This paper examines the factors and theoretical frameworks for the adoption of technology for older adults, and proposes two models of technology acceptance and rejection, one from an ease of learning perspective, and one from a system and user perspective. Both models are supported from reports on two case studies of older adults using handheld touchscreen tablet devices; one in which the participants are supported during tasks primarily related to walking and navigation, and one in which participants are unsupported in communication related tasks. The first study shows the powerful role that facilitating conditions have for learning how to use digital technologies for this user group, whether supporting through step by step guidance, providing a friendly space to use trial and error methods, and/or provision of a manual. The second study shows the pitfalls of a lack of facilitating conditions during initial use, and highlights potential for appropriate design in helping to avoid some user errors during this phase.

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Cited By

Li JCrilly NKristensson P(2024)Guiding the Design of Inclusive Interactive Systems: Do Younger and Older Adults Use the Same Image-schematic Metaphors?ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction10.1145/364861831:4(1-44)Online publication date: 19-Sep-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3648618
Baghestani ALatulipe CBunt A(2024)Older Adults' Collaborative Learning Dynamics When Exploring Feature-Rich SoftwareProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction10.1145/36373788:CSCW1(1-27)Online publication date: 26-Apr-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3637378
Willatt AGray SManchester HFoster TCater K(2024)An Intersectional Lifecourse Lens and Participatory Methods as the Foundations for Co-Designing with and for Minoritised Older AdultsProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction10.1145/36372958:CSCW1(1-29)Online publication date: 26-Apr-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3637295
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Learning to use new technologies by older adults: Perceived difficulties, experimentation behaviour and usability
1. Human-centered computing

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cover image Computers in Human Behavior

Computers in Human Behavior Volume 29, Issue 4

July, 2013

480 pages

ISSN:0747-5632

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Copyright © Elsevier Ltd © 2013.

Publisher

Elsevier Science Publishers B. V.

Netherlands

Publication History

Published: 01 July 2013

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Cited By

Li JCrilly NKristensson P(2024)Guiding the Design of Inclusive Interactive Systems: Do Younger and Older Adults Use the Same Image-schematic Metaphors?ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction10.1145/364861831:4(1-44)Online publication date: 19-Sep-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3648618
Baghestani ALatulipe CBunt A(2024)Older Adults' Collaborative Learning Dynamics When Exploring Feature-Rich SoftwareProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction10.1145/36373788:CSCW1(1-27)Online publication date: 26-Apr-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3637378
Willatt AGray SManchester HFoster TCater K(2024)An Intersectional Lifecourse Lens and Participatory Methods as the Foundations for Co-Designing with and for Minoritised Older AdultsProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction10.1145/36372958:CSCW1(1-29)Online publication date: 26-Apr-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3637295
Batbold TSoro ASchroeter R(2024)Mentorable Interfaces for Automated Vehicles: A New Paradigm for Designing Learnable Technology for Older AdultsProceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3613904.3642390(1-15)Online publication date: 11-May-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3613904.3642390
Sinabell IAmmenwerth E(2024)Challenges and recommendations for eHealth usability evaluation with elderly users: systematic review and case studyUniversal Access in the Information Society10.1007/s10209-022-00949-w23:1(455-474)Online publication date: 1-Mar-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1007/s10209-022-00949-w
Zhu XCheng X(2024)Staying connected: smartphone acceptance and use level differences of older adults in ChinaUniversal Access in the Information Society10.1007/s10209-022-00933-423:1(203-212)Online publication date: 1-Mar-2024
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1007/s10209-022-00933-4
Luo L(2023)Understanding Factors Affecting Elderly Users' Willingness to Utilize Digital Screens as Public Equipment: A DEMATEL AnalysisProceedings of the 2023 3rd International Conference on Human Machine Interaction10.1145/3604383.3604393(50-57)Online publication date: 26-May-2023
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3604383.3604393
Yu JParde NChattopadhyay D(2023)“Where is history”: Toward Designing a Voice Assistant to help Older Adults locate Interface Features quicklyProceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3544548.3581447(1-19)Online publication date: 19-Apr-2023
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3544548.3581447
Sauvé LPlante PMendoza GBrassard CDesjardins G(2023)Developing the Digital Literacy of People with Cognitive Limitations in the WorkplaceSN Computer Science10.1007/s42979-022-01585-04:2Online publication date: 7-Jan-2023
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Junqueira LFreire AGrützmann AZitkus E(2023)Challenges and barriers faced by older adults to access legislative e‐participation platforms in BrazilThe Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries10.1002/isd2.1227489:5Online publication date: 10-Sep-2023
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