Time takes its toll on everyone but today product designers are hard at work to make life easier for seniors. As we have talked about before, there have been some amazing advances in technology for the senior industry. However, here are some challenges designers should keep in mind the next time they think of making changes to their senior product design. 

Never Underestimate Your User

There are many harmful stereotypes about seniors, though most of them come from a place of misunderstanding. One of the most harmful stereotypes happening in product design is that seniors don’t use technology. 

Spoiler. They do.

This can become a problem because technology, websites, and apps don’t take seniors into account when creating their products. Websites and apps are created by young people, for young people and are often inaccessible to older users due to font sizes. According to one study, the internet is unwelcoming to seniors with bad eyesight and readability has remained a problem for older adults. Things like buttons and dropdown menus are display small fonts and are difficult for older adults to click or tap. Text is often too small and too light for seniors to read easily.

However, this doesn’t stop seniors from using products, they simply become more creative in their approaches.

Accessibility 

Unfortunately, some seniors do have limitations when it comes to using new technologies.

• Dexterity: years of hard work and conditions like arthritis can make things like smartphones difficult to use. Even simple actions like swiping can be difficult for many. A simple solution is adding a fixed button substitute that can be pressed on the phone, creating an effective alternative to swiping. 
• Color: This one is easy to overlook, but it’s an important one to keep in mind. As we age, the rods and cones in our eyes can deteriorate. Meaning colorblindness is a common problem for seniors. This can make low contrasting items difficult to see.
• Accuracy: Simply combine a few barriers, like visual impairment and dexterity, and you will see accuracy in the use of products plummet. Small buttons may look chic, but they are a nightmare for an older individual. Allow enough space in products that buttons can be missed just a little but still function properly.

Everyone Wants Stylish Products

Seniors are tired of seeing products marketed to them as “old” and “boring.” For too long, senior products have focused too much on useability but not user experience. Like everyone else, seniors want beautiful and stylish products. Too often senior items look plain and boring. It’s easy for designers to focus on solving the problem and then stopping there. 

How Senior Design is Changing

Fortunately, the new generation of seniors are making their voices heard. And it’s about time senior product designers started listening.

Confident Living is a continuing care at home membership program, focused on helping you remain active and independent as you age in your own home. We serve the greater Cincinnati area. For more information, contact us online or call (513) 719-3522.