The last few years were the year of digital transformation where the internet has become an integral part of our lives. Thinking of a single minute without it seems a mission impossible for us. This new add on in our life has changed everything. In short, the Internet is a one-stop solution for every problem where there is also a stereotype that older age groups tend to avoid using the web.
Do you know why? What’re the reasons behind seniors maintaining a distance from these advancements? Have you ever tried to bridge their gap from technology? That’s what I’m going to discuss in this blog.
“We’re on the verge of new technological revolutions that could improve
virtually every aspect of our lives, create vast new wealth for American workers
and families, and open up bold, new frontiers in science, medicine, and
communication.” – President Donald J. Trump
This blog highlights the importance and tips of creating a senior-friendly web design to uphold your essential responsibility. Yes, it’s our responsibility to help our elders in making this technology accessible for them. Like us, they should also know to use it for their use. So, let’s begin.
First, take a look at the stats
According to Nielsen Norman Group, around 55.3% of senior web users can successfully browse the net, whereas the adult’s age success rate is 74.5%. There is a difference of about 25% of something between both the age groups. Thus, web designers need to work on this area to equalize this gap or remove it altogether.
Additionally, try to concentrate on the site responsiveness as it’s the most crucial factor today. If you look at the web development stats, about 94% of people judge the website on its mobile-friendliness. As we know too, that mobile phones are the potent means of bringing digitization in society.
Now, let’s get started with the senior-friendly web designing tips:
1. Increase Font Size
Human vision gets diminished with the growing age, and the text in the small fonts makes it difficult for the seniors to read comfortably to get the relevant information. Websites that target the older age groups should keep the fonts at least 12-points as a default. Also, there should be an option to increase or decrease the font size as desired.
“Keep the text’s font size at least 12 points for the better readability”.
2. Content is Key
We know well that content is a king on the website. That’s why it’s vital to use user-friendly language in your web content. Make sure that it’s well understood and avoid using specific terms and acronyms; seniors are not familiar with these words.
Also, be mindful there will be no unnecessary jargon, many times it confuses the users. Your web content should be straightforward with its intended meaning.
“Use clear and user-friendly language while writing your web contents”.
3. Different Colours for Easy Navigation
According to a study, seniors easily get distracted from their path when there is no distinction between the page sections and menus in different colors. Even the youngsters get confused many times with a homogeneous style of the websites. This wastes a lot of time for our seniors, and they keep on returning to the same page again and again.
“Distinguish the page section and menus with the different colors to aid the navigation”.
4. Audio considerations
While designing audio web components, remember the problems of hearing declines too. There are about 65 percent of people suffering from hearing loss. But web designers can use variability in the audio limitations. It impacts how users consume video content.
For some, it’s challenging to hear low-pitched sounds, some can’t hear high-pitched sounds, and few are just fine with both. There are sites where users struggle with the one range where sometimes they can’t even understand some words due to a single degree of volume.
What should be done here? There should be an audio controlling feature to keep the volume at the right pitch. They can adjust the volume according to their preference. These are helpful in situations where their background music and conversation is going on together.
“Thinking about audio content is important and put volume control settings along with it. Most users with a hearing disability know to accommodate, but it’s essential to present transcripts/subtitles with your audio content”.
5. Simplify Form Filling
Elders have a tougher time using search engines and forms, and many were thwarted after trying to use hyphens or brackets when entering contact numbers and their debit/credit card details.
For this, using large text fields are good to give specific instructions about the information that is required.
“Add large text fields to educate the seniors in the form filling.”
6. Make Error Messages Clear
Making mistakes is common but understanding those mistakes is essential. Our seniors tend to make mistakes while browning and face difficulties in finding these messages due to unclear error messages. The reason can either be a vague wording or an incorrect error message placement.
Simplicity is key to the best web design, and that’s what you have to follow. You have to make sure that the senior messages can find these messages and learn how to correct their errors.
“Provide clear error messages to the seniors that guide well in correcting their mistakes”.
Wrapping Up
Many people in the tech industry talk about “bringing a change in the world” and “improve people’s lives.” But it’s only possible when it involves all, and that’s what we have read in the blog. Above I have showcased the points that help in making a senior-friendly web design.
From keeping the text font size 12 points to presenting an error message, all these are pretty helpful in making the best website for our seniors. By following these tips, you can provide the best user experience to our senior design. These work better for all and especially for those who are browsing your site more.
For help, you can also reach out to the best web designing company in India. They will design the best business senior-friendly website that achieves your 100% satisfaction level and boost your profits.
