23 April 2010
Call for 1000 older adults to help in technology research
The University of Dundee’s Social inclusion through the Digital Economy (SiDE) project is looking to recruit 1000 volunteers to help them research the extent to which older adults are excluded from, or linked into, the rapidly changing world of technology.
The research pool of men and women aged 55 and over will help the SiDE team, based at the University’s School of Computing, carry out various research exercises.
The team are looking for people who have no interest in using new technology as well as those who regularly engage with new technological developments such as computers; mobile phones and digital radios and televisions.
Initially, people need only provide their contact details and sign an agreement to take part. This information will be securely managed and the SiDE team will follow up by contacting members of the research pool with information about the study and invitations to take part.
The studies vary, but take about an hour on average and can involve participants answering a few questions, testing a product or completing a short questionnaire. For each study, participants will receive a gift voucher in return for giving up their time. Volunteers are under no obligation to agree to a study and may opt in or out as their circumstances demand.
Marianne Dee, the SiDE project Research Assistant, explained that the research is concerned with finding out how technologies can be made useful and usable for older adults, something that will become increasingly vital in coming years.
'Many people do not realise the potential the Internet and digital technologies offer in terms of saving money, for example, by booking travel, phoning abroad or renewing their car tax online,' she said. 'The possibilities for keeping in contact with friends and family living far away and the sharing of photographs and videos can be a lifeline for some people.
'Within a few years it will be difficult to access government services, banks, arrange transport, or even be entertained without using some form of personal computer, information kiosk, digital interactive television, or intelligent mobile device.
'This obviously has huge implications for older people. Our research is concerned with the design of applications and devices so that they will be created in such a way that nearly everyone can use them with the goal being for everyone to have full access to information and services.
'This is why we are creating the research pool of participants who are willing to take part in research studies. They will help us consider products at the idea stage and give us feedback on how accessible and user friendly they are. We are also studying what people find difficult and confusing when they use new products or services.
'The findings will identify what needs to be done in the future to make new technologies that will address the needs of a wide range of users especially older adults Those who volunteer to join the research pool will be helping themselves and other users in the 55+ age bracket.'
The majority of studies will take place at the Queen Mother Building on the University’s campus. There may however be occasions when members of the SiDE team would like to visit volunteers at their homes or a local community centre. Younger users are also invited to join the research pool to help researchers understand how younger and older adults differ in their views and use of technology.
Around 300 volunteers have already signed up for the research pool and are actively participating in projects being carried out at the School of Computing, which contains one of the largest and most influential academic groups in the world researching information technology and assistive technology for older and disabled people.
It boasts more than 30 researchers with a unique blend of disciplines including computer engineers, psychologists, therapists, creative designers and other staff who have benefited from interdisciplinary careers.
Older adults who are willing to take part in studies cansign up for the research pool by
visiting the SiDE website, www.side-dundee.org.uk/, emailing researchpool@computing.dundee.ac.uk or contacting Marianne Dee on 01382 388237. They can also write to: Freepost RSGT-KRJX-JHBS, School of Computing, Dundee University, DD1 4HN.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07852 953277 |
