Layout

Standardization of interfaces for senior: Consistency is always recommended, but sometimes stability of interface can be sacrificed for better efficiency or aesthetics of design. Consistency and stability of interface, particularly of navigation and pages’ layout is valuable for the elderly even more that for general users. It’s advisable that all the pages of a website have the same navigation (the capability to go back must be included too), and that navigation is clearly marked as one. Also, all the control elements (e.g. links) must be made distinct from other elements on a page. Not to allow the overload of the cognitive abilities of the elderly and to allow them to better rely on their long-term experience.

Search reluts for seniors: If the search area of your site offers both a search and browsing interface, clearly separate the search box from the browsing area. (For all sites, make the search area and the area’s limits obvious.) Cross-reference terms to ensure that searches reap results. In search results, always clearly repeat the user’s query. Write clear and concise help for search, putting the most important information first. Precisely label the search field. Reserve the word Search for open fields where users can type in actual search queries. Ensure that search results are visible on the page without scrolling.

The size and location of hyperlinks for seniors: For hypertext links, large text is especially important for two main reasons:

Hyperlinks area for seniors: When graphical elements appear close to a text link, make those elements part of the working link. Leave space between links. Make the area immediately surrounding a link or button (within about 5 pixels) part of the link.

Amount of content on the page for seniors: To compensate for the probable cognitive and movement disabilities of the elderly that may progress with age. The designers must consider making the website pages shorter than ones for general users. Elder people would rather browse through more pages on a path once set rather that comprehend pages that overwhelm them with information. The pages scrolling can be difficult for them too, so it’s another reason why shorter pages should be preferred. Finally, it’s easier to structure information on a short page in a simple way. Interface efficiency and fewer number of clicks that are generally more favored for regular users, so designers are advised to put all the relevant information on a single page.

Pop-ups for seniors: If you use pop-up windows, make the default size big enough to fit all or most of the information so users do not need to scroll.

The degree of control over the interface for seniors: In general it’s usually recommended to allow user have more control over the way of doing things for better efficiency and satisfaction. The designers of e-business websites may choose to consciously limit the user control and flexibility of usage, but to make common functions and paths more immediately obvious to promote elderly accessibility. Interface ‘scoping’ (hiding advanced features) can be also a useful technique. Elder users don’t seek to have more flexibility and tend to repeat ways of doing things that were once successful (e.g. taking familiar, even if longer, navigation paths).