Digital Experience for Sensitive and Vulnerable Segment
Over the past few years, the internet has seen an overwhelming participation of the silver age group. People over the age of 50 have started using the internet, primarily social media sites. Unfortunately, with the widespread use of the internet, cybercrimes have increased as well and this age group falls under the most vulnerable segment for such mishaps.
The elderly people are new to the cyber world and are still facing a hard time getting used to the magic of this 4-dimensional universe. Learning to use the new, ever-improving technology, ranging from PC to smartphones and exploring the expanses of the world wide web has been as exciting to them as it is potentially dangerous. Resultantly, it is crucial to create a digital experience for the sensitive segment so that they can enjoy the internet without falling prey to technical challenges.
Wondering how to achieve a safer space for this age group? You’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll go over some vital elements of User Experience designing that will help the older age group have a great time on the internet.
Content Consumption Pattern
Unlike the young userbase, the elderly group have a specific pattern of use on the internet. Rarely would you see your grandpa downloading and playing highly stimulating warzone games. The basic content consumption pattern of this age group includes online video streaming, social media sites, leisurely games such as cards or arcades, news, online banking, e-commerce, among a few others.
For websites catering to this age group, it is vital to consider the requirements of the users and offer the easiest interface for them to have a hassle-free experience.
Creating Secure and Simple Digital Experience
The internet users over the age of 50 are not yet comfortable enough to browse endlessly online and explore different features of the internet. In fact, it is easy for them to get trapped in online scams and cybercrimes due to lack of knowledge in the digital realm.
It is the responsibility of the UX designer to ensure that the interface is not only easy to use but equally safe for the users to access. Let’s take a look at how this can be ensured.
Simplicity is the Key
Complicated websites and applications with a whole lot of features and complicated interlinking is not something the elderly users look for. The key here is to keep the focus on the utmost simplicity and hassle-free browsing. Cut down on any redundancies or extra features that might add to the complication of the website or app. Use simple and clear fonts, graphics, and symbols on the interface so that it is easy for the user to distinguish each element and conveniently accomplish the task.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
What could be better than someone else doing all the hard-work for you? AI is a boon to the users of all age groups, especially the older ones. Creating AI to assist users in completing tasks on a website can eradicate all the hardships they might face in the process. If the user is efficient in typing, a custom chatbot can help them glide through each process in no time and without any hassle. The easier the experience becomes for the user, the more they will enjoy and further recommend your website or application.
Video Guides
It is easier to grasp information when observed in the audio-video format. Including step-by-step A/V guides can be a genius way to help out the elderly in using a particular feature or a website/application in whole. It can breakdown complex elements and simplify the process multifold.
Ensure Security
Bugs on an application or website can create glitches or leave the platform vulnerable to cybercrimes. It is mandatory for the developers to find and fix any bugs on the platform. As for an application, updates should be rolled out to patch any vulnerabilities. This element is not only vital for older users but for all age groups and to ensure complete safety of the platform itself.
Help Out the Elderly
While the digital experience can be tailored to suit the needs of the vulnerable userbase, it is also important to educate the users about how they can use the internet wisely and avoid any pitfalls online.
Read on to find some ways to help them out:
- Educate: Inform the user about the various scams and security breaches that can potentially happen online. Tell them the ways to ensure complete privacy and avoid scams online.
- Usage: Educate the user about different features online that they can benefit from. Help them through the technical issues and teach troubleshooting. Make sure they understand the process of using different websites and applications well so that they don’t get stuck or panic.
- Assist: Once you help out the user in understanding different parts of the internet, allow them to explore on their own. Be there to assist them when in need. Technology is challenging, be patient.
The older age group has emerged as a key group in the cyberspace. It is important to ensure a safe and secure environment for them to explore the virtual world and to help them do it with greatest ease.
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Author: Mr. Mohar V, CEO & Co-FOunder, TECHVED