Smartphone Stories

Experiences of BLV Older Adults in Acquiring a Smartphone

DIS 2023 | Peer-review Poster
Role: Graduate Research assistant
Duration: Jan 2023 - Mar 2023
Method: Survey, Semi-structured interview
Description: This study examined the experience of older adults with visual impairments in acquiring and adapting to smartphones. This interview-based study provides insights into their challenges, available resources, and social support networks. The study suggests ways to improve the adoption process of smartphones for this population.

Research Question: As older adults who are blind and low vision(BLV) adopt a new smartphone, what considerations do they make, and what resources do they utilize?

Method: We interviewed 5 older adults who are BLV and are 60+ years of age. All participants are iPhone users.

Quotes from Our Participants

Findings: BLV older adults are motivated to learn to use smartphones, and they encounter three challenges in doing so:

  • Friend’s smartphone stories contradict the reality of the smartphone after acquisition.
  • Operating smartphones with a screen reader requires expert-level knowledge.
  • The assistive technology aspect of smartphones can be isolating for BLV older adults.

Design Implications:

  • Shared experience of smartphones that does not isolate smartphone screen reader users.
  • Education around awareness of accessibility features.
  • More accessible, intuitive terminology.

Future Work: Further understanding

  1. The learning practices and social support systems of this population.
  2. How using smartphones impacts identity.

Acknowledgment: Contents draw on material from Isabela Figueira(lead author) from the DIS’23 poster. Much appreciated!