Perceptions of computer system usefulness: Insights for design from experienced older users

Tracy L. Mitzner, Neil Charness, Wendy A. Rogers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Computer systems have the potential to assist older adults by supporting independence, enhancing social communication, and enabling healthcare activities. Yet older adults’ adoption rates continue to lag behind younger and middle-aged adults. We report data from 249 older adult computer users (65–93 years of age) that identify the details of their perceptions of computer usefulness for a range of everyday activities. Participants rated the importance of activities to their quality of life and the usefulness of current computer systems for supporting those activities. These experienced computer users indicated that computers were meeting their needs for some activities (e.g., social communication, games) but not for other activities (e.g., calendaring, healthcare, recreation and learning). Our data provide guidance for (a) introducing the potential of computer systems to current non-users and (b) designing systems targeted to meet the needs of older adults and enhancing computing functionality for them.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHuman Aspects of IT for the Aged Population
Subtitle of host publicationDesign for Aging - 1st International Conference, ITAP 2015 Held as Part of HCI International 2015, Proceedings
EditorsGavriel Salvendy, Gavriel Salvendy, Jia Zhou
PublisherSpringer
Pages262-272
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)9783319208916
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event1st International Conference on Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population, ITAP 2015 Held as Part of 17th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCI International 2015 - Los Angeles, United States
Duration: Aug 2 2015Aug 7 2015

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume9193
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Other

Other1st International Conference on Human Aspects of IT for the Aged Population, ITAP 2015 Held as Part of 17th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCI International 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLos Angeles
Period8/2/158/7/15

Keywords

  • Adoption
  • Older adults
  • Perceived ease of use
  • Perceived usefulness
  • Technology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • General Computer Science

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