“Like a Virtual Family Reunion”: Older Adults Defining Requirements for an Augmented Reality Communication System

Leading a socially engaged life is beneficial for the well-being of older adults. Immersive technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), have the potential to provide more engaging and vivid communication experiences compared to conventional digital tools. This qualitative study adopts a human-cent...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Information (Basel) 2024-01, Vol.15 (1), p.52
Main Authors: Mikhailova, Veronika, Conde, Melisa, Döring, Nicola
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adults
Aged
Attitudes
Augmented Reality
avatar
Avatars
communication technologies
Communications systems
Comparative analysis
Interpersonal communication
older adult
Older people
Perceptions
Personal communication
social engagement
System effectiveness
Technology
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Summary:Leading a socially engaged life is beneficial for the well-being of older adults. Immersive technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), have the potential to provide more engaging and vivid communication experiences compared to conventional digital tools. This qualitative study adopts a human-centered approach to discern the general attitudes and specific requirements of older adults regarding interpersonal communication facilitated by AR. We conducted semi-structured individual interviews with a sample of N = 30 older adults from Germany. During the interviews, participants evaluated storyboard illustrations depicting a fictional AR-enabled communication scenario centered around a grandparent and their adult grandchildren, which were represented as avatars within the AR environment. The study identified technological, emotional, social, and administrative requirements of older adults regarding the AR communication system. Based on these findings, we provide practical recommendations aimed at more inclusive technology design, emphasizing the significance of addressing the emotional needs of older adults, especially the perceived intimacy of AR-based interpersonal communication. Acknowledging and catering to these emotional needs is crucial, as it impacts the adoption of immersive technologies and the realization of their social benefits. This study contributes to the development of user-friendly AR systems that effectively promote and foster social engagement among older adults.
ISSN:2078-2489
2078-2489
DOI:10.3390/info15010052