Identification of Age-related Accessibility Needs in Mobile Apps

Senior users typically experience difficulties when interacting with mobile applications (apps) because apps are often developed without addressing typical age-related needs such as vision impairments, cognition difficulties or decreased motor skills, among others. As a result, seniors struggle to understand and use apps effectively, experience stigmatisation and are at risk of being disconnected from family, friends and society at large.

The starting point of building inclusive apps that meet age-related accessibility needs is to identify and understand these needs in the community. This is the aim of this project. We plan to carry out a qualitative focus-group study in collaboration with the University of the Third Age (U3A).

Data collection will be conducted at multiple U3A campuses across Melbourne to ensure a representative sample group. Collected data will be analysed with a thematic analysis and interpreted following a Grounded Theory framework. Follow-up interviews may be used to gain deeper insights into selected needs.

The findings of our research will be published in a scientific paper. Moreover, the project will contribute to the training of a PhD student.

Project Lead

Shavindra Wickramathilaka (PhD candidate)

Project Team

Prof John Grundy, Dr Kashumi Madampe, Dr Omar Haggag

Industry Partner

U3A