Human–computer interaction perspectives on health technology design for elderly individuals and their caregivers
摘要
This study examines the usability and design challenges of health technologies for elderly individuals from a human-computer interaction (HCI) perspective, considering the supportive role of caregivers in the use of technology. As the demand for user-centered health solutions has grown, especially in resource-constrained settings with limited healthcare, this research has become timely. Despite the increasing availability of health technologies. There is still a significant gap in adapting these tools to address the special needs of elderly individuals. Particularly in terms of ease of use, accessibility, satisfaction, and technology acceptance. A qualitative, user-centered approach has been employed, collecting data through semi-structured interviews with 44 participants, 22 elderly individuals aged 60 and above, and 22 caregivers. Participants have been recruited through snowball sampling. Transcripts have been analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis. Deductive coding guided HCI design principles, the technology acceptance model (TAM), and previous exposure to technology (PET). Inductive coding captured nuanced patterns such as ambivalence toward technology, generational differences, and gendered caregiving roles. Comparing themes across elderly and caregiver groups shows differences in technology acceptance, caregiving expectations, and emotional support needs. This guided the design of the health system prototype. The proposed prototype evaluation will follows two phases. In the first phase, HCI experts will perform heuristic evaluations, SUS scoring, and usability checks. The elderly participants will perform usability testing in the second phase. The findings emphasize usability barriers and limited healthcare access. Emotional loneliness has affected engagement with technology. Socioeconomic factors have further influenced usage patterns. This study provides effective recommendations for designing intuitive, affordable, and context-aware health technologies.