The discussion on web design for older site visitors often drift
towards accessibility and get mixed up with looking at disabilities rather ability,
but this should not forever be a given. Not every person over 65 years has
eyesight so poor that they have to enlarge text size or change the contrast of
text colours. Not each person over the retirement age has problems with motor
control or significant short term memory loss. Here is a digested list of the
most significant design tips based on research with users.
1. Make understandable what's clickable and what's not
You must clearly differentiate between paragraph, heading
and link styles. Underlining link text within written text helps links to contrast
with copy, but underlining links in the main navigation is not essential as
each and every item should be obvious. Also, don't employ underlining to recognize
headings. Buttons must also be made as huge and prominent as possible so they
become a clear call to action. 3-Dimensional effects for buttons can help to
make them stand out. Also, create links and buttons easy to aim and hit by rising
their clickable area.
2. Utilize radio buttons rather than dropdown menus
A dropdown menu can be fiddly and time intense for site
visitors, and can result in people selecting the wrong item by accident. If you
have less than ten items in a dropdown menu use radio buttons if possible.
These have the benefit of showing the number of options at a glance without
having to click. However, you should keep dropdown menus where they are recognized
conventions.
3. Wait in one window
If possible, always stay in single window. If you like to
provide helpful tips or explanations, consider implement it in a way that the
explanation appear on the same page. If you require including a pop-up or
re-directing to a new window, then inform the users by telling them. A good
example of showing helpful tips on the same page is twitter's sign-up page.
Here the details comes up when users click into the field “Full name”.
4. Apply the shallowest possible information hierarchy
Ensure that you completely understand your users' goals and
provide them with the shortest paths to completing their task. Pull out significant
and frequently visited topics and display them on the homepage. You should also
maintain consistent labeling of links and page names and permit site visitors
to get to the content within 2-5 clicks. The path must be kept as clear as
possible of distracters such as advertising, though you can display some after
the task has been finished successfully. Provide about 3 useful cross-reference
links that are related to the current task goal, but not many more in order to
avoid distraction. Overall, try to minimize the options on screen to be as
succinct as possible.
5. Include a site map and link to it from each page
A site map gives users a good overall picture of how the sites
is organized and clearly define all the resources the website has to offer. The
link to the site map can generally be found near the top or the bottom of the
page and regularly placed near the link to 'contact us'. Internet savvy senior
surfers are aware of site maps and make use of them to gain an outline of the
site. They will also likely click on a sitemap link when they get lost on the
site or if they cannot get what they want while browsing.
6. Maintain your language simple
Avoid technical language at all cost. However, if you employ
newer functionality such as tagging for example, don not try to rename it, but
provide an easy to know explanation for it. Include information in plain English
where essential and always try to reduce the number of words displayed on the
page. Use simple and small sentence and include bullet points where possible.
For links on the homepage or landing pages include a short description to tell
site visitors what to guess when following the link.
7. Show trustworthy
Senior surfers tend to be more cautious when browsing and
can get puzzled when something unexpected occur such as a new window opening or
an application installing. Firstly, clearly state the use of your site on the
homepage. Also, offer a brief explanation with content links, so users know
what to expect when following them. Explain in 'large print' how personal
information will be handle before asking user to enter it. Make use of the well-known
padlock icon to specify a secure part of the site. Show terms such as 'secure',
'safe' and 'confidential' in bold. Offer a content section on security when
your site recommends financial services.
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