Older Adults Help Design Outdoor Tech That Works for Them

As the global population ages, finding ways to encourage older adults to stay active outdoors has become a pressing health priority. Regular physical activity is known to improve mental and physical health, reduce cognitive decline, and enhance quality of life for this demographic, yet many face barriers to participation. A new study from Technological University Dublin explores how technology, specifically Physical Web applications, can be co-designed with older adults to promote outdoor activities, offering a promising approach to address these s while highlighting the complexities of digital inclusion.

Researchers developed an initial prototype based on design requirements gathered from 24 older adults in earlier workshops. The prototype used Physical Web technology, which allows users to access web resources like multimedia files without downloading an app, making it more accessible for those with limited digital skills. It featured two main activities: users could scan a QR code on a smart post to listen to music and dance outdoors, or they could take a history tour by tapping QR codes on artefacts to learn about local landmarks. This design aimed to support group activities, socialisation, and minimal technology interaction, addressing preferences identified in prior research.

The study involved a co-design session with 12 older adults aged 60 to 100, recruited from a community organisation in Dublin. Participants were divided into focus groups to provide feedback on the prototype, with their interactions observed and audio-recorded for analysis. Demographic data showed a diverse range of technology use: only 3 participants had used QR codes before, and many did not have smartphones, highlighting the digital divide. The session explored perceptions of outdoor activities and gathered suggestions for improving the prototype, using s like semi-structured interviews and post-it notes to capture ideas.

Analysis of the data revealed four major themes. First, ease of use was a significant issue, with participants expressing confusion about how QR codes worked and surprise at hearing audio from the physical environment rather than their phones. Second, first impressions were mixed; some enjoyed the music and social engagement features, while others perceived the technology as too complex or suited for younger people. Third, participants offered improvement suggestions, such as enabling automatic playback, simplifying interfaces with one-button operation, and considering alternative interactions like loyalty cards or tags for those without smartphones. Fourth, privacy and security concerns were raised, with questions about data access and technology transparency, indicating a need for clearer communication and robust safeguards.

Underscore the importance of involving older adults in technology design to ensure usability and inclusivity. Participants' difficulties with QR codes and varied digital skills point to the need for more intuitive interfaces and tailored support, as noted in the discussion. Limitations of the study include a small sample size, with most participants over 80 and lacking smartphone experience, which may limit generalisability to broader older adult populations. Additionally, the session was conducted indoors, not in the outdoor environments where the technology would be used, potentially missing contextual factors like noise or lighting that could affect usability.

This research highlights a path forward for creating technology that genuinely supports older adults in staying active outdoors. By incorporating feedback from co-design sessions, future iterations can focus on redesigning interfaces for clarity, exploring non-smartphone interactions, and addressing privacy concerns. As populations age, such collaborative approaches may become essential for developing solutions that bridge the digital divide and promote healthy, active ageing in communities worldwide.