Five workshops have been conducted within the centre that enabled the participants to examine and experience the current technology through a combination of hands-on activities interviews and information presentation, Skype IM was used for the introduction to instant messaging as well as a simplified IM interface that was developed for my previous project at university and was intended for the use of older adults.
4 semi-structured interviews were held at home with single and couple participants in their own home, each approximately lasting between 30 to 45 minutes. During each interview, information gathering techniques such as questionnaire and discussions were used to capture information regarding the familiarity of the user with IM, social networking and computer use. In home interviews provided a great wealth of information due to the possibility of taking different approaches to the participants and the comfort of the home setting and having the opportunity to see how the use of technology and IM fitted into the users life.
Tuesday
Related Work
Much work has been undertaken in the area of development of Information Technology (IT) products for older users and impact of aging on technology. Projects such as the UTOPIA that focused on developing effective methods for the early involvement of elderly people in the development of IT related products for people aged sixty and over and on providing industry with tools to assist in the development of IT products for such older people.
Also D. Hawthorn’s study on universal design and interface design issues that illustrated the way in which multiple considerations influence interface design decision when designing for older adults, he supports his argument by examination of an e-mail system for older users. He also makes the point that although interface design decisions made in the design of the e-mail system assists the older users, they limit the power of an application to support younger and more demanding users.
Other studies include S. J. Czaja’s paper on age related changes in abilities and impact of aging on access to technology that has implications for design of computer systems. She argues that two major demographic trends underscore the importance of considering the adaptation to technology by older adults, the aging of the population and rapid dissemination of technological innovation.
Mead and Spaulding-Johnson in their research on aging and computer use describe a process for identifying problems experienced by older users and for designing and evaluating age-specific solutions.
PEW Internet & American Life Project looks at the use of IM by Americans. They have discovered that 53 million American adults use IM and its appeal is strongest among young adults and technology enthusiasts. Also that IM has moved into the workplace and has improved the workflow and the quality of the work-day, but at the same time some think that IM has encouraged gossip and adds stress to the workplace.
Also D. Hawthorn’s study on universal design and interface design issues that illustrated the way in which multiple considerations influence interface design decision when designing for older adults, he supports his argument by examination of an e-mail system for older users. He also makes the point that although interface design decisions made in the design of the e-mail system assists the older users, they limit the power of an application to support younger and more demanding users.
Other studies include S. J. Czaja’s paper on age related changes in abilities and impact of aging on access to technology that has implications for design of computer systems. She argues that two major demographic trends underscore the importance of considering the adaptation to technology by older adults, the aging of the population and rapid dissemination of technological innovation.
Mead and Spaulding-Johnson in their research on aging and computer use describe a process for identifying problems experienced by older users and for designing and evaluating age-specific solutions.
PEW Internet & American Life Project looks at the use of IM by Americans. They have discovered that 53 million American adults use IM and its appeal is strongest among young adults and technology enthusiasts. Also that IM has moved into the workplace and has improved the workflow and the quality of the work-day, but at the same time some think that IM has encouraged gossip and adds stress to the workplace.
Saturday
Methodology and Participants
The methodologies used for this study are a mix of qualitative (focus group discussion, individual interviews) and quantitative (questionnaire) approaches. The nature of my research was mostly exploratory and open-ended. The focus group was consisted of 11 individuals aged between 65 to 80 years of old both male(5)and female(6). Participants were asked to respond to general questions regarding their knowledge of using computers in general as well as their familiarity with ICT tools such as Instant messaging programmes and social networking. The aim for performing such interviews was to identify their perceptions, opinions and familiarity with the technology in question and determined their level of understanding, as well as usage pattern and personal skills.
Other participants were also selected through personal contacts.
Other participants were also selected through personal contacts.
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