Development of Application Usability Evaluation Scale for Seniors

Abstract

Purpose: Applications for seniors are emerging because of the increasing number of seniors due to an aging society and popularization of smartphones by the 4th industrial revolution. The purpose of this paper is to establish a usability evaluation scale to develop more convenient and useful applications for seniors. Research design, data and methodology: For this study, first, the necessity of developing an application usability evaluation scale for seniors is discussed by examining the definition and context of seniors. Second, the primary usability evaluation factors were derived from collecting the factors of usability evaluation such as applications, seniors and conducting in-depth interviews with experts. Third, the second usability evaluation factors were derived through survey and statistical analysis based on the usability evaluation factors. Results: As a result, the usability evaluation scale was established with five factors – Cognition, Navigation, Feedback, Error, Aesthetic - and 20 items. Conclusions: This study can be the basis for guidelines of development and design in applications for seniors. Therefore, not only the young generation but also seniors can feel convenience in their daily lives by using customized applications for seniors.