Developing a Human-Centered App for Aging Populations
Disciplines
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics | Communication Technology and New Media | Data Storage Systems | Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces | Health Communication
Abstract (300 words maximum)
As older adults become an increasingly large percentage of the global population, more resources and social support systems are needed. With the advent of technological development, it is important not to leave this population behind but to design technology that can elevate their quality of life. Our research goal is to create a software application called SANDRApp that aims to better the daily lives of older adults and enhance their social, mental, and medical well-being. To design users’ preferred features and interfaces, our research team first sought to understand the daily challenges and desires of technology in their lives. One-on-one qualitative 30–45-minute interviews were conducted targeting the main demographics of SANDRApp, including older adults, caregivers, volunteers, and service providers. During these interviews, we standardized questions among the four stakeholders. These questions were designed to gather information about each participants’ background as well as their expectations and sought out features, current barriers to technology usage, preferred navigation and other design preferences, as well as their overall concerns. From these interviews, we conducted a thematic analysis, where we coded interview transcripts using NVIVO across key domains. These domains included the roles and context of the participant, technology orientation and familiarity, essential daily living support, challenges and barriers, supportive technology, activity and engagement preferences, expectations, barriers to use, accessibility, and privacy and trust concerns. After completing the coding, we statistically analyzed the most prevalent themes occurring throughout the interviews to help formulate the design of SANDRApp. We also compared the thematic analysis of these interviews with the requirements analysis of previous software applications designed for older adults to help identify a gap in the current market. Ultimately, we seek to utilize this thematic analysis research to better create a unique and effective application that best addresses the needs of older adults.
Use of AI Disclaimer
no
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS – Psychological Science
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Israel Sanchez-Cardona
Additional Faculty
Luisa Valentina Nino de Valladares, Industrial and Systems Engineering, lvallad1@kennesaw.edu
Paola Spoletini, College of Computing and Software Engineering, pspoleti@kennesaw.edu
Maria Valero de Clemente, Information and Technology, mvalero2@kennesaw.edu
Developing a Human-Centered App for Aging Populations
As older adults become an increasingly large percentage of the global population, more resources and social support systems are needed. With the advent of technological development, it is important not to leave this population behind but to design technology that can elevate their quality of life. Our research goal is to create a software application called SANDRApp that aims to better the daily lives of older adults and enhance their social, mental, and medical well-being. To design users’ preferred features and interfaces, our research team first sought to understand the daily challenges and desires of technology in their lives. One-on-one qualitative 30–45-minute interviews were conducted targeting the main demographics of SANDRApp, including older adults, caregivers, volunteers, and service providers. During these interviews, we standardized questions among the four stakeholders. These questions were designed to gather information about each participants’ background as well as their expectations and sought out features, current barriers to technology usage, preferred navigation and other design preferences, as well as their overall concerns. From these interviews, we conducted a thematic analysis, where we coded interview transcripts using NVIVO across key domains. These domains included the roles and context of the participant, technology orientation and familiarity, essential daily living support, challenges and barriers, supportive technology, activity and engagement preferences, expectations, barriers to use, accessibility, and privacy and trust concerns. After completing the coding, we statistically analyzed the most prevalent themes occurring throughout the interviews to help formulate the design of SANDRApp. We also compared the thematic analysis of these interviews with the requirements analysis of previous software applications designed for older adults to help identify a gap in the current market. Ultimately, we seek to utilize this thematic analysis research to better create a unique and effective application that best addresses the needs of older adults.