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ShopComm: Community-Supported Online Shopping for Older Adults
Katerina Gorkovenko1, Garreth W Tigwell2, Christopher S Norrie2
1Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, University of Dundee.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|September 7, 2017
Summary
Older adults can maintain independence with digital technology, but face challenges. A new system, ShopComm, was developed to help those with mobility issues shop online, improving their quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Digital Health
Background:
- The United Kingdom's ageing population faces mobility challenges impacting independence.
- Digital technology offers potential solutions for enhancing quality of life in older adults.
- Older adults often exhibit reluctance towards adopting digital solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review a charity's grocery service for older adults with mobility impairments.
- To explore older adults' perceptions of physical versus digital grocery shopping.
- To design an accessible online shopping system (ShopComm) for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative review of a community-based grocery service.
- Exploration of user perceptions through qualitative insights.
- Design and development of the ShopComm online platform.
Main Results:
- Older adults perceive both benefits and drawbacks in physical and digital shopping methods.
- Insights gathered highlight specific needs for supporting online shopping among older adults.
- The ShopComm system was designed based on identified user requirements.
Conclusions:
- Digital technology can support independence and quality of life for older adults with mobility issues.
- Addressing user perceptions and designing tailored solutions like ShopComm is crucial for adoption.
- Further development and implementation of ShopComm can empower older adults in online grocery shopping.