Have you ever had the chance to explain how a mobile app works to your parents or grandparents? If so, you've probably encountered mutual frustration. Younger individuals navigate apps swiftly and expect the same from older people, leading to stress and mutual misunderstanding.

Interestingly, these "household issues" are increasingly moving to the professional world.

The Aging Generation and Company Digitization

Looking at the forecasts from the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS), we are an aging nation. By 2050, post-productive age individuals will represent over 30% of the population. In the EU, nearly one in five people (19.4%), close to 100 million individuals, are 65 years or older.

Parallel to the aging society, the world of technology is advancing relentlessly, and COVID has only accelerated the digitization of companies. Digital products are increasingly reaching older people, especially visible in industries like manufacturing, retail, and logistics.

So, how do we ensure that the frustration and stress resulting from older people not adapting to modern solutions don't appear in companies implementing mobile apps?

We have had the opportunity to implement Crispal in companies with many manual workers. A large part of the recipients of our system are older people, and as a result we know what to look out for during such collaborations. Therefore, it does not matter whether you are a software provider, an HR director contemplating the company's communication strategy or simply a project manager in charge, we have put together some aspects for you that we have learned to pay attention to during our Crispal implementations.

Communication is Key

To understand user needs, you must converse with them. Start your app design by interviewing employees. Experience has shown us that it's beneficial to introduce mock-ups or a clickable prototype early in these discussions, enabling older individuals to better visualize the discussed scenarios.

During these talks, even if it seems trivial, ask many open and clarifying questions to engage in dialogue and ensure clarity.

For example, instead of "Do you understand?" it's better to ask, "Can you tell me what I just did on the screen?"

Pay Attention to Language

Regardless of the project stage, never use complicated words: intricate technical jargon, Anglicisms, or even idioms you consider universally understood. When talking with Millenial or Generation Z, mentioning a "button triggers a request" might go unnoticed. Say the same to a senior, and you might receive a request for clarification or even experience resistance. The wise person isn't the one who speaks cleverly but the one who speaks understandably.

Product Design

Most designers and developers are aged 20 to 35 and create mobile apps for their peers. When creating tools for the elderly, you must adjust your thinking to cater to their needs. Here are basic principles for designing apps for seniors:

• Set a font size larger than standard,
• Use sans-serif fonts (they're more legible),
• Ensure high contrast in the app,
• Avoid excessive content on one screen; if possible, break the content into smaller elements,
• Use captions with icons,
• Utilize white spaces between objects to enhance page readability,
• Limit animations as they might confuse older users,
• Prefer tapping over other gestures like swiping or drag-and-drop,
• Limit gesture control in the app.

While these tips might seem to limit the app's spirit, the opposite is true. The beauty of digital solutions for seniors lies in their simplicity—less is often more.

Clear Instructions

At every stage of app creation for seniors, remember that apps aren't as intuitive for them as for younger generations. What's obvious for millennials or Gen Z might be counter-intuitive for seniors. Hence, mobile and desktop apps can benefit immensely from hints, FAQs, or product tips. Contrary to younger individuals, seniors meticulously read instructions and follow them.

Photos, videos, and simple animations are great for instructions. A brief tutorial, where a narrator simply describes a process without unnecessary special effects or music, can be helpful for both employees and employers. Many users can watch one video, reducing the need to ask colleagues or managers for clarifications.

Mobile App for Physical Workers

Due to the pandemic, new technologies entered industrial companies earlier and deeper than anyone expected. Access to computers, primarily smartphones, has become a daily norm. In companies where we implemented Crispal, we noticed that older individuals' entry barrier to the digital world is decreasing, as seniors increasingly use mobile apps privately. This is partly thanks to the patient explanations you've given to your parents about Facebook, for instance.

If you wonder whether a mobile communication app will face resistance from the older staff in your establishment, we're happy to address any concerns and ensure that the tool's implementation involves minimal staff frustration.

Our mission is to ensure the digitization process for the older generation is smooth and painless, and together with you, we hope to contribute to this endeavor.

We have had the opportunity to implement Crispal in companies with many manual workers. A large part of the recipients of our system are older people, and as a result we know what to look out for during such collaborations. Therefore, it does not matter whether you are a software provider, an HR director contemplating the company's communication strategy or simply a project manager in charge, we have put together some aspects for you that we have learned to pay attention to during our Crispal implementations.

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