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

Authors:
Yvonne Barnard;Mike D. Bradley;Frances Hodgson;Ashley D. Lloyd
Affiliations:
Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, United Kingdom;Engineering Design Centre, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom;Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, United Kingdom;Business School, The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Venue:
Computers in Human Behavior
Year:
2013

Citing 9
Cited 1

Introduction: what does groupware mean for the organizations hosting it?

Groupware and teamwork
Determinants of Perceived Ease of Use: Integrating Control, Intrinsic Motivation, and Emotion into the Technology Acceptance Model

Information Systems Research
Internet use and non-use: views of older users

Universal Access in the Information Society
How older people account for their experiences with interactive technology

Behaviour & Information Technology - Designing Computer Systems for and with Older Users
Interface design and engagement with older people

Behaviour & Information Technology - Designing Computer Systems for and with Older Users
Predicting technology acceptance and adoption by the elderly: a qualitative study

Proceedings of the 2008 annual research conference of the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists on IT research in developing countries: riding the wave of technology
Review: Computer use by older adults: A multi-disciplinary review

Computers in Human Behavior
Older adults talk technology: Technology usage and attitudes

Computers in Human Behavior
User acceptance of information technology: toward a unified view

MIS Quarterly

Check-in services and passenger behaviour: Self service technologies in airport systems

Computers in Human Behavior

Quantified Score

Hi-index	0.00

Visualization

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.