A Conceptual Framework to Evaluate Usability in Mobile Aged Care Applications: a health care initiative

Information technology has the potential to provide enormous benefits and enhanced quality of life among the elderly. Yet the use of information technology among the elderly, especially mobile applications is limited. This study seeks to develop a conceptual framework for the design and evaluation of usability of mobile applications for the elderly; and to understand the limitations that the elderly experience while using mobile devices. In order to achieve these goals, the study performs a comprehensive literature review in the area of technology for aged care. Based on the literature review, this paper presents a conceptual framework that synthesizes perceptive, cognitive, physical limitations and motivational factors, to determine how an application and a specific mobile device satisfy the needs of the senior population. This initial conceptual framework is a part of a larger project and will allow further research into design and evaluation of usability of mobile applications for the elderly.