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from the You-May-Be-Younger,-But-I-Have-Better-Insurance dept.
(Disclaimer: I wrote the article Creating Online Environments That Work Well For Older Users but suspect that many Soylentils will find it useful.)
A significant part of the Internet-using population is aged 50 or older — including the people who invented it. Web designers need to understand what older users need and why it's not enough to just say, "I can read it, so what's the problem?"
If you're my age you have no doubt run into more than a few web sites that are just plain useless, either because you can't read the text, or because they were designed using assumptions that those of us over forty years of age don't find useful. Whether it's our need for high contrast text, or our preference for actual words and paragraphs over video, the needs of older users often get ignored.
We are the generation that invented and grew up with personal computers. It's absurd to suggest that we are less capable of using technology. In other words, you can't complain about old people not understanding tech, and then also complain that they've taken over Facebook and Twitter. Besides, we also usually have lots more disposable income, so catering to our needs is good for business.
(Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday November 24 2019, @11:05AM
The NUMBER ONE reason I loath doing the weekly "security" update on my stuff is because I don't want to have to re-learn how to use the thing after they've randomly and mysteriously changed the user interface, or hidden, or "gesturized" some functionality I need. Especially if it's something I use infrequently, but when I need it, damn it I need it.
This was how Microsoft lost my business forever. I was a pro with Windows 7. But Windows 10 is nothing but frustration. I can't find anything.
Now Apple is doing it too. Consequently, my main work computer is an old (2009) Mac Pro running snow leopard. It runs the versions of the software that I already know how to use. New macs with the new OSX refuse to run the cleaner versions of the software I need, before they got all fancy-pantsed interfaces that only get in the way and don't add anything useful. Nope.
Web sites that have too many gee-gaws on the page so I have to spend more time trying to navigate than actually consuming content is a very fast way to get me to move-on to somewhere else. Clean, clear, concise. That's the way to design something USEFUL. And as for content -- stop trying to convince me how good your thing is and just show me the thing.
Try using healthcare.gov, for instance. Comparison shopping for insurance is like asking a clown for directions.
"How do I get to city hall?"
"Did you know four hundred people go there every month? It's very easy to get to."
"That's great. How do I get there?"
"Most people use a car. You can also walk, or ride a bike."
"Ok, but which direction will get me there?"
"The Earth is a sphere. Pretty much any direction will get you there eventually."
"Fastest path please?"
"That depends on traffic. You should probably take the highways. Unless its rush hour. Then do something else."
"Now we're getting somewhere. Ok. Which highway?"
"You'll need a drivers license. And a car."
"I have those."
"Gas?"
"Yes."
"Most people use gas, but some people use electric vehicles which may not go as fast, especially if they are older ones like golf carts. You can also bike, or walk, which is very healthy and good for the environment. Have you considered all the alternatives?"
I swear I've had conversations exactly like this, and some web sites seem to be written by these same people. That's when I realize I'll live longer without their so-called "help."
Along with STEM, let's make reading, writing, comprehension and EFFECTIVE communication part of the core curriculum again? Kay? lol! That be lit irl bro. ight, brb.