Technology has the power to transform the lives of seniors, making it easier for them to stay connected with loved ones and access essential services. The Easierphone application is a prime example of how technology can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the elderly population. To better understand its functionality and usability, a recent study conducted in ASM research studio (Kutno, Poland) employed a combination of modern and traditional research techniques, including eye-tracking technology, to assess the application’s performance and gather valuable insights from seniors aged 60 and above.
Easierphone: A Solution for Seniors
The Easierphone application was designed with seniors in mind, aiming to simplify smartphone usage for those aged 60 and above. The app brings a host of improvements to the phone interface, making it more accessible and user-friendly. Key features include a clearer layout of icons, larger fonts, and an adjusted color scheme. These alterations are designed to enhance phone usability, expedite communication, and bolster safety with an “emergency” function.
Eye-Tracking: The Research Methodology
To comprehensively evaluate the Easierphone application, the study employed eye-tracking technology. This innovative approach allowed researchers to gain valuable insights into user behavior and attention patterns. Here are the key aspects of the eye-tracking research: 
- Heat Maps and Fixation Paths
Participants, all aged 60 and above, were asked to perform various tasks within the Easierphone app while their eye movements were tracked. The eye-tracking technology generated heat maps and fixation paths, providing a visual representation of where participants focused their attention and what elements attracted or escaped their notice.
- Focus on Home Screen
One of the critical findings from the study pertains to the home screen. The heat map and fixation path for the home screen revealed that participants concentrated their gaze on key elements like contacts, messages, and the camera icon. This attention alignment was related to the specific task of sending a message, demonstrating that the application’s elements were correctly positioned and easily discerned by elderly users.
- Message Function
The research included a task where participants were asked to send a text message using the Easierphone app. The heat map showed gray and green dots on the keyboard, indicating brief attention to individual letters when typing messages. The red area on the heat map, which corresponds to the send message icon, garnered the most attention, highlighting its effectiveness as a focal point for participants.
- Calling Function
When participants accessed the calling function after installing an additional telephone module, they primarily focused on the favorites tab. Red areas on dialed numbers and recent calls indicated a preference for dialing mobile numbers and making calls through the Easierphone app.
- Dial Pad and Adding Contacts
Entering a phone number and making calls did not pose difficulties for participants. Fixation maps showed that participants smoothly followed the numbers without extended dwell time. The heat map demonstrated that participants found the keyboard legible, with appropriately sized and clearly visible digits.
- Adding Contacts and Apps
Participants were asked to add contacts and apps to the home screen. Fixation maps showed their gaze concentrated on name, surname, and company fields when adding contacts, with the heat map revealing high visual intensity in the name-surname area. However, some participants instinctively pressed “add phone” instead of “save,” suggesting room for improvement in the visibility of this element.
- Emergency Function
The last task involved finding and adding an emergency contact. The heat map displayed green and gray dots as participants traced the app icons to find the right one. Fixation points between icons on the home page indicated a search by application names rather than relying on icons. The red area on the heat map, near the “add application” element, showed a strong focus on this feature.
In-Depth Interviews (IDI)
Following the biometric test, individual in-depth IDI interviews were conducted with participants. These interviews provided additional insights into the participants’ experiences using the Easierphone app and their preferences. The interviewees generally found the application intuitive and user-friendly, with clarity in its interface. The ease of installation was noted, though some participants mentioned the need for larger fonts and simplified pop-up messages.
How Seniors Use Smartphones
During the IDI interviews, participants revealed how they use smartphones in their daily lives. Making calls and sending text messages were primary functions, valued for the speed and the ability to hear the other person’s voice. Participants also engaged in activities such as browsing the internet for current information, social media use, online shopping, and even entertainment like playing games and solving crossword puzzles.
Conclusion
The eye-tracking research on the Easierphone application provided valuable insights into how seniors interact with the interface and elements of the app. The study confirmed that the Easierphone app is well-received by seniors, with its user-friendly design and features aligned with their needs. The findings from this research can inform further enhancements to ensure that the Easierphone application remains a valuable tool for improving the connectivity and smartphone experience of seniors aged 60 and above. As technology continues to evolve, tailoring applications to meet the unique requirements of older adults will play a crucial role in enhancing their quality of life and connectivity with the digital world.