The "Free from Housing Accessibility Problems" App

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Growing need for accessible housing solutions for senior citizens.
• Challenges in finding suitable and accessible housing options across Europe.
• Limited digital tools available to support housing accessibility decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a user-centered computerized tool for housing accessibility.
• To create a mobile application prototype with an apartment database.
• To enhance awareness and support decision-making for housing solutions.

Main Methods:

• User-centered design approach.
• Involvement of housing sector professionals and senior citizens from four European countries.
• Development of a functional mobile application prototype.

Main Results:

• A fully functional mobile application prototype was created.
• The application includes a comprehensive apartment database.
• The tool raises awareness of housing accessibility issues.

Conclusions:

• The mobile application has the potential to support decision-making for satisfying housing solutions.
• Further refinements are needed, including interactive features and adaptation to national contexts.
• The app can empower citizens of all functional capacities to pursue accessible housing.