Older Australians let down by unfriendly products
Here’s why it’s so difficult to open a can of tomatoes using the ring pull.
Older Australians consistently rank independence and quality of life as their most valued qualities, which must be maintained as they age.
Modern technology is a great contributor to realising that ambition through the development of smart assistive equipment that helps people with disabilities stay in their own homes.
However, most people over 50 don’t need high level assistive technology; they just want everyday products, including household gadgets, to be designed and made with people of age in mind.
How about a can opener that’s easy to use and instructions that are easy to understand? A new study finds we’re being let down on product usability.
More than half of older Australians find products intended for their age group not user-friendly. A majority of seniors feel their needs are overlooked by product designers and want clear, age-friendly product information to help them make informed purchasing decisions.
The Global Centre for Modern Ageing (GCMA) report, Empowering Older Adults with Better Product Usability, surveyed more than 1,000 Australians aged 65 and over.
Some 93% of respondents said product usability was crucial for independent living, and 81% felt neglected by product designers and manufacturers.
Design failures include small fonts, grip issues, tough packaging, and confusing instructions.
However, nearly half of those surveyed said they do not seek help or request product adaptations when faced with dissatisfaction. They do want age-friendliness information on products, to help with more informed purchasing decisions.
Older shoppers maybe spoilt for choice of products on the market but the survey found there’s a large discrepancy between the industry's belief that products are user-friendly and the actual usability challenges faced by older Australians every day.
The researchers concluded this represented a great opportunity for product developers to better understand older consumers and close the gap on usability frustrations.
One respondent to the survey said, “So many products, so many of them frustrating, impenetrable and hard to use.
“Instructions are often impossible to read and indecipherable when you can. Packaging seems to be designed to keep you out. I can no longer undo jars, bottles, boxes, medicines, tubes, and containers.”
Specific complaints included:
- Complicated technology: electronic devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, laptops, and kitchen appliances are challenging to use due to complex features, small buttons, and unclear instructions.
- Remotes and interfaces: users have difficulty navigating menus and functions.
Small print: reading type on labels, instruction manuals, and product packaging was especially difficult for those with low vision.
Opening mechanisms: jars, bottles, cans, and blister packs are too challenging to open, often requiring additional tools or assistance.
Safety concerns: difficulties with products such as power tools, ladders, and certain kitchen gadgets.
Weight and handling heavy or cumbersome products: such as vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and suitcases, can be difficult to use and/or carry.
The research found older consumers increasingly rely on online reviews before purchasing, with more than half of the respondents doing so.
However, the relevance of these reviews can be limited, as the specific needs and preferences of older consumers are not addressed in general consumer product reviews.
The study says an example of this is product grip – a critical feature that may not be as important for other consumers when rating and reviewing products.
For older consumers, ergonomic design and ease of grip are key factors in their purchasing decisions.
Related reading: GCMA
