Understanding younger and older adults' needs for home organization support

Cory Ann Smarr, Shelby K. Long, Akanksha Prakash, Tracy L. Mitzner, Wendy A. Rogers

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

Abstract

Home organization is a common problem for people of all ages. Possible consequences of not being organized at home include loss of time and money; decreased task efficiency and focus; and increased strain on interpersonal relationships. However, there is little empirical research on people's specific needs for home organization across the lifespan. Participants (10 younger adults, 10 older adults) completed questionnaires and participated in semi-structured interviews investigating their needs for and factors impacting home organization. Home organization was important to participants, yet a majority of them were not fully satisfied with it. Younger and older adults reported various spaces they considered most and least organized in their homes. Both age groups reported that the number of items in a space, the plan for organizing the items, and having a place for all of the items contributed to a space being organized versus not organized. Design considerations for a support system or tool based on these findings are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2014 International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014
PublisherHuman Factors an Ergonomics Society Inc.
Pages150-154
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9780945289456
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event58th International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014 - Chicago, United States
Duration: Oct 27 2014Oct 31 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Volume2014-January
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Other

Other58th International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period10/27/1410/31/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics

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