Reference Framework for Measuring the Level of Technological Acceptance by the Elderly: A Case Study of Virtual Assistants

Bolaños , Manuel; Collazos, Cesar; Gutiérrez, Francisco

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Date

2021-01-30

Abstract

Los adultos mayores suelen presentar inconvenientes con el uso de la tecnología. Como resultado, la diversidad existente de sistemas y aplicaciones adaptadas a este tipo de usuarios se está ampliando, facilitándoles así la comunicación con su entorno social, y apoyando sus actividades diarias. Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación realizada para identificar la intención de un grupo de adultos mayores de utilizar asistentes virtuales inteligentes, y las actividades en las que consideran que estos dispositivos serían útiles. Para el desarrollo del estudio se trabajó con adultos mayores de la ciudad de Pasto (sur de Colombia). Teniendo en cuenta las características de los participantes y pensando en capturar sus sentimientos, pensamientos y vivencias, se utilizó grupos focales como método para obtener información precisa, clara y sencilla. Los resultados obtenidos indican que los asistentes virtuales tienen un gran potencial para ser utilizados en las actividades personales, laborales y de recreación que diariamente realizan los adultos mayores. La motivación y la aceptación tecnológica son aspectos clave para asegurar la usabilidad de los sistemas tecnológicos por parte de los adultos mayores. Por lo tanto, es importante una buena definición de requerimientos de usuario, que permita identificar cuáles son las verdaderas características y funcionalidades que los adultos mayores esperan encontrar en estos productos. La tecnología desarrollada para adultos mayores debe cumplir con sus expectativas esenciales, para que la acepten y adopten en su vida diaria.

Abstract

Elderly people often have problems to use technology. As a result, the existing diversity of systems and applications adapted to this kind of users is expanding, thus facilitating the communication with their social environment, and supporting their daily activities. The aim of this study was to identify the intention of a group of older adults in Pasto, Colombia, to use smart virtual assistants and the activities in which they think these devices would be useful. Considering the participants’ characteristics and in order to capture their feelings, thoughts, and experiences, we held focus groups to gather precise, clear, and simple information. The results obtained indicate that older adults can potentially use virtual assistants for their daily personal, work-related, and recreational activities. Nevertheless, motivation and technology acceptance are key aspects to ensure the usability of technological systems by this populational group, and user requirements should be well defined in order to identify the characteristics and functionalities that they expect to find in such technology products. Therefore, technology developed for the elderly must meet their essential expectations in order for them to accept and adopt it in their daily lives.Elderly people often have problems to use technology. As a result, the existing diversity of systems and applications adapted to this kind of users is expanding, thus facilitating the communication with their social environment, and supporting their daily activities. The aim of this study was to identify the intention of a group of older adults in Pasto, Colombia, to use smart virtual assistants and the activities in which they think these devices would be useful. Considering the participants’ characteristics and in order to capture their feelings, thoughts, and experiences, we held focus groups to gather precise, clear, and simple information. The results obtained indicate that older adults can potentially use virtual assistants for their daily personal, work-related, and recreational activities. Nevertheless, motivation and technology acceptance are key aspects to ensure the usability of technological systems by this populational group, and user requirements should be well defined in order to identify the characteristics and functionalities that they expect to find in such technology products. Therefore, technology developed for the elderly must meet their essential expectations in order for them to accept and adopt it in their daily lives.