Exploring mHealth design opportunities for blind and visually impaired older users

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Gerontology

Background:

• Mobile health (mHealth) applications are vital for older adults' health information access.
• Blind and visually impaired (BVI) older adults encounter significant barriers in using mHealth apps.
• Inclusive design is crucial to bridge the digital divide in mHealth for BVI seniors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the design preferences and expectations of BVI older adults for mHealth applications.
• To identify specific features and usability principles for creating accessible mHealth tools for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Six focus group interviews were conducted in September 2023.
• The study involved 14 participants (4 with severe low vision, 10 totally blind).
• Discussions centered on user experiences and needs regarding mHealth app design.

Main Results:

• Key design principles emphasized were 'customizability' and 'simplicity'.
• Participants recommended features like editable profiles, emergency contacts, adaptable data presentation, and audible feedback.
• Clear data visualization and comprehensible health information were highlighted as essential.

Conclusions:

• User-centered design is paramount for developing inclusive mHealth apps for BVI older adults.
• Prioritizing app learnability ensures equitable access to health technology and reduces health disparities.
• Findings offer guidance for developers and researchers to create more accessible mHealth solutions.