Mobile Health Apps: Improving Usability for Older Adult Users

Stephanie A. Morey, Rachel E. Stuck, Amy W. Chong, Laura H. Barg-Walkow, Tracy L. Mitzner, Wendy A. Rogers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

With smartphone use among older populations on the rise, older adults have increased access to health-focused mobile apps. Despite their potential benefits for managing health, currently no guidelines exist for designing these apps specifically for older adult users. We evaluated the usability of one medication management app and two congestive heart failure management apps using cognitive walkthroughs, heuristic analysis, and user testing. We identified design issues that may affect usability for older users, including poor navigation, small button sizes, and inadequate data visualizations. We provide guidelines for developers of health apps to facilitate use by older adults.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4-13
Number of pages10
JournalErgonomics in Design
Volume27
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2019

Keywords

  • design guidelines
  • designing for older adults
  • health management
  • mHealth
  • test and evaluation
  • usability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics
  • General Engineering

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