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.
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