Lessons Learned from Supporting Low-income Older Adults to Use a Tablet PC in the Age of Digital Divide

Abstract

Low-income older adults are more likely to face a digital divide due to the limited internet access and digital skills, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many studies in HCI have identified obstacles older adults encountered in technology use, little is known about the digital inequity that older adults experienced in adopting and using the tablet PC for the first time. In this study, we provided 28 low-income older adults with instruction sessions to help them set up and use tablet PCs. From these sessions, we found that while social connection as the most requested feature provides a positive experience, creating or managing a login account and being unfamiliar with common interaction techniques were challenging for older adults to use a tablet PC for the first time. We conclude with design implications for senior-friendly technology.