Transforming the digital experience: Intuitive interfaces for a digitally forgotten population
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i3.1073Keywords:
inclusión digital, adultos mayores, accesibilidad, interfaz de usuario, usabilidad.Abstract
The study examines the influence of web interface design on the digital inclusion of older adults, a group that faces barriers related to cognitive, sensory, and motor limitations. In this context, the study highlights the need to develop accessible technological solutions that integrate both digital literacy and design adaptations tailored to the conditions of aging. The research adopted a mixed-methods, sequential-exploratory approach in the Quinindé canton, Esmeraldas province. Techniques including literature review, iterative prototyping, and empirical evaluation were employed. In the first phase, two interface prototypes were designed in Figma, based on User Centered Design principles and WCAG 2.2 guidelines. Subsequently, a panel of eight experts evaluated the prototypes using a Likert scale, selecting the one with the best performance. Finally, the proposal was validated with 20 older adults through usability tests and structured questionnaires. The results show that Prototype 2 received higher ratings on the principles of accessibility: perceivability, operability, understandability, and adaptability with an average score of 4.49. Validation with end users achieved an average score of 4.09, reflecting high levels of ease of use, comfort, acceptance, and willingness to recommend the application. It is concluded that user-centered design, together with accessibility criteria, significantly improves the digital experience for older adults. However, opportunities for improvement in information organization were identified, suggesting future optimizations.
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