Graduate Studies

Digital Futures (MA, MDes and MFA)

Rittika Basu

Age & Interface: Equipping Older Adults with Technological Tools

In today’s age, it is crucial to be aware of one’s surroundings, updated with the latest news, improving knowledge and remain socially connected. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic made us realize that access to a steady internet is a necessity and not a luxury. In 2019, statistics by Pew Research Center presented that only 53% of people aged above 65+ years owned Smartphones. The outcomes are dedicated to empowering the technological depressed individuals affected by computer illiteracy, computer anxiety and the digital divide by making information accessible, consumable and comprehensible. The teaching toolkits are created as per the Inclusive Design principles, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0) and human-centred design strategies for older adults.

“The project outcome consists of two major teaching toolkits that are explained below -1. Part 1: Beginner's Handbook​This is a guidebook available online, free of cost and easily accessible via any device. An audio version is available on the web-based tutorial platform.2. Part 2: Web-based Tutorial Platform The website is created to tutor older adults on carrying out various operations of the smart devices. Each task is documented through screenshots in digital screens through a step-by-step process. The tasks were shortlisted based on the survey results, work experience at TechServeTo and the ideologies of the Technological Acceptance Model. ”